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]\^RS. GEORGIE D. RUNYAN, 



AOO YBA.HS 



OF 



AMERICA. 



MBFi 



Discovery, History, Achievements 
and Politics. 



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By GEORGIE D. RUN TAN. 



1SQ2. 

TTcie New Era Compeiny^ 

SiDrinQ^fiela, O. 



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Copyright 1892 bv The New Era CoMPA^fY. 






Four Hundred Years of America. 



CHAPTER I. 

PRE-COLUMBIAN DISCOVERIES. 

THOUGH there are many legends to the effect, 
there is really no evidence of the discovery of 
the Western Continent except by the Norsemen. 
A. D. 966 Herjulfson, a navigator sailing from Iceland 
to Greenland, was caught in a storm and driven west- 
ward to Newfoundland or Labrador. He did not 
land, but described the coast as low and thickly 
wooded, which was so different from the cliffs of 
Greenland that there was no doubt of its being a new 
country. 

Fourteen years later Leif Erickson, an adventurous 
Icelandic captain, determined to know for himself 
whether the story of Herjulfson was true or false, 
sailed westward and in the spring of the year looi 
landed in Labrador, and made explorations for a con- 
siderable distance along the coast. The country was 
milder and more beautiful than his own and it pleased 
him to remain a while, so he journeyed southward to 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and some believe 
they have evidence that he visited the harbor of New 
York. He remained a year in North America and on 
his return the spirit of adventure seized upon his 



A FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

brother Thorvald, who made a voyage to Maine and 
Massachusetts, when he died at what is now the city 
of Fall River in ioo3. In 1005 Thorstein, a still 
younger brother, brought a band of followers and in 
1007 Thorfinn Karlsefni, the most noted mariner of the 
day, came with 150 followers, and made exploration 
alone the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island 
and probably went as far south as the capes of 
Virginia. 

Other companies of Icelanders and Norwegians 
were content to remain further north, and so colonies 
were planted in Newfoundland and in Nova Scotia. 
It is believed by historians that these people supposed 
themselves still on Greenland, which, bending around 
an arm of the ocean, had reappeared in the west. The 
settlement did not prosper. There was nothing to 
sell and nobody to buy, and so the spirit of adventure 
died within their bosoms and they returned to their 
own country and the world profited nothing by the 
discovery of Vinland, as the Norsemen called it. They 
were a lawless race of men, pirates who acknowledged 
no law save their own will. They were stalwart men 
who wore robes made from the skin of Polar bears. 
They wore on their heads a sort of hood decorated 
with eagle's wings and the tusks of walruses. Mailed 
armor protected them from foes, for they were of ex- 
ceedingly ferocious disposition. In a few years even 
the Icelanders themselves had forgotten Leif Erick- 
son's discovery, and Europe had not heard of it at all. 
Some of the old legends about a great country to the 
westward were charming and some were sad ; no 
doubt most of them were the result of optical illusions^ 



PRE-COLUMBIAN DISCOVERIES. 5 

for we have accounts of attempted voyages to the beauti- 
ful country which at times seemed very near to the 
Canary Isles, but w^hich vanished when approached. 
An Arabian writer of great note, Xerif al Edrisi, who 
was surnamed the Nubian, thus wrote : "The ocean en- 
circles the inhabited earth and all beyond it is un- 
known. No one has been able to verify anything 
concerning it, on account of its difficult and perilous 
navigation, its great obscurity, its profound depth and 
frequent tempests ; through fear of its mighty fishes and 
haughty winds ; yet there are many islands in it, some 
peopled, others uninhabited. There is no mariner 
who dares to enter into its deep waters ; or if any 
have done so they have merely kept along its coasts, 
fearful of departing from them. The waves of the 
ocean, though they roll as high as mountains, yet main- 
tain themselves without breaking ; for if they broke, 
it would be impossible for a ship to plough them.'* 
That there was a man brave enough to dare the waves 
as high as mountains and who loved science more 
than he feared dangers the succeeding chapters will 
bear evidence. 



CHAPTER II. 

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 

HIS birthplace was Genoa and his parents were 
wool combers. He was born somewhere be- 
tween 1435 and 1436, though some biographers 
have placed the date at 1446. He was fair of face, 
with blue eyes and auburn hair, and had a pleasant 
countenance, and when older a commanding mein. 
When he had attained fame several noble families of 
the same name claimed kinship with him. And it is 
not improbable that he had been of noble lineage. 
Feuds were so common among the Genoese families 
that while some branches of the family dwelt in lordly 
castles others were among the humblest of laborers- 
His father's name was Dominico Columbus (or Colom- 
bo, as it was written in Latin) and his mother's maiden 
name was Susannah Fontanarossa. There were three 
children younger than Christopher — Bartholomew and 
Giacomo (or James in Spanish). "Diego," his only 
sister's name, is not found in history, but she married 
a man in very poor circumstances whose name was 
Giacomo Bavarello. 

From earliest youth Columbus loved the sea. The 
story of Plato's fabulous island Atalantis was a favor- 
ite one to him, and the people of the Canaries fre- 
quently saw, or thought they saw, this great island to 
the westward. Probably they saw a mirage. But 



COLUMBUS *AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 7 

these things, coupled with the fact that one or two 
pieces of carved wood that had no marks of iron im- 
plements used in the work had been picked up by 
mariners, made him quite sure that the Indies, as Asia 
was called, lay not far to the west. _ 

The parents of Columbus gave him the best educa- 
tion possible to them. Besides the ordinary studies, 
reading, writing, grammar and arithmetic, he received 
instruction in Latin and was quite proficient in draw- 
ing and design, and for a short time became a student 
at the University of Pavia, where he studied geome- 
try, geography, astronomy and navigation. Accord- 
ing to some historians, after this he assisted his father 
in wool combing. This is vigorously denied by his 
son Fernando, and it seems with reason, for at four- 
teen years of age Columbus entered upon a nautical 
life. The love of marine life is common to boys of 
enterprising spirit living in sea ports. The city of 
Genoa offered little of interest to boys of spirit. It 
was walled in and behind it rose rough mountains, be- 
low spread the beautiful Mediterranean, the blue waters 
always alive with boats, whose crews not only brought 
beautiful goods for sale or barter, but marvelous tales 
of the lands which they had visited. The love of 
geography had become a passion with Columbus, and, 
indeed, it was incident to the fifteenth century. For a 
long time previous monkish bigotry and false learning 
had held such sway in Europe that geography and 
many other sciences had been lost to them. But in 
Africa the Arabian sages, gathered at Senaar, were 
taking the measurement of a degree of latitude and 
calculating the circumference of the earth "on the vast 



8 ^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

plains of Mesopotamia." "The revival of science," 
says Washington Irving, "accompanied the revival of 
letters. Among the various authors which the awaken- 
ing zeal for ancient literature had once more broiight 
into knowledge were Pliny, Pomponius Mela and 
Strabo. From these were regained a fund of geograph- 
ical knowledge which had long faded from the public 
mind. Curiosity was aroused to pursue this forgotten 
path, thus suddenly reopened." A translation of the 
work of Ptolemy had been made into Latin at the 
commencement of the century by Emanuel Chrysoler- 
as, a noble and learned Greek, and so it became famil- 
iar to Italian students. Another translation had fol- 
lowed by James Angel de Scarpiaria, and this became 
common in the Italian libraries. It was a very beauti- 
ful book. Other writings began to be sought after, 
and Averroes, Alfraganus, and other Arabian sages, 
who had kept on with their scientific studies while 
Europe had remained in darkness, were now eagerly 
sought for. To be sure, the knowledge w^as imperfect 
and exceedingly limited, but it was like the dawn of 
day. At once the darkness seemed to give way and 
interest grew fast when discoveries began to be made 
along the Atlantic coast of Africa. Is it a wonder 
that the bright boy grew enthusiastic in his desire for 
more learning? The short time he had been in the 
University of Pavia had barely enabled him to acquire 
the rudiments of the necessary sciences, and so he 
taught himself from the books he could procure that 
which became ot inestimable value to him in after 
years. Difficulties never vanquished him. The greater 
the obstacles, the more determined he became to over- 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 9 

come them. His facilities for study -were of the poor- 
est, but how grand were his achievements. 

His first voyage began when he was but fourteen 
years ot age. He was under the command of a dis- 
tant relative named Colombo, who was, according to 
some historians of that date, admiral of the Genoese 
squadron, though others credit him with a fleet of 
galleys of his own. He was possessed of a strong and 
adventurous spirit and seems to have always been 
ready and anxious to fight whenever a legal opportun- 
ity offered. 

In those days every ship of commerce was fitted out 
like a man of war. Merchants not infrequently had 
to fight for their possessions. Piracy, though not 
legalized, was of common occurrence. There were 
frequent feuds among the Italian states. The armadas 
fitted out by private noblemen, who exercised a sort of 
sovereignty in their own domains, the cruisings of the 
Catalonians and the wars waged against the Ma- 
homedan powers, together with the private adven- 
turers who hesitated not to seize on any available 
booty, m-ade life on the high seas anything but a 
sinecure. 

Of his early voyages we have no history. The first 
account of his voyages given is in 1459, when in 
a naval expedition fitted out in Genoa by John of 
Anjou, Duke of Calabria, to make a descent upon 
Naples in hopes of recovering the kingdom for King 
Rene, or Reinier, or Renato, as it is variously written. 
At all events he was Count of Provence, and the re- 
public of Genoa aided him with money and ships. 

The enterprise seemed brilliant and daring, and men 



lO FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of many fortunes hastened to enlist under the banner 
of Anjou. Among them was Colombo, already known 
as a man of intrepid daring, and who commanded 
either the whole squadron or a fleet of galleys all his 
own. 

When on this ill-fated enterprise our Christopher 
Columbus was detailed on a dangerous errand to cut 
out a galley from the harbor of Tunis. The adven- 
ture is described by him in a letter written years after- 
ward. He says : "It happened to me that King 
Reinier (whom God hath taken to himself) sent me 
to Tunis to capture the galley Fernandina, and when 
I arrived off the Island of St. Pedro, in Sardinia, I 
was informed that there were two ships and a carrack 
with the galley ; by which intelligence my crew were 
so troubled that they determined to proceed no further, 
but to return to Marseilles for another vessel and more 
people. As I could not by any means compel them, I 
assented apparently to their wishes, altering the point 
of the compass and spreading all sail. It was then 
evening and next morning we were within the cape 
of Carthagena, while all were firmly of the opinion 
that they were sailing towards Marseilles." This 
extract gives us an idea of the fearless character of the 
man, whose resolute perseverance brought him success 
in his important undertakings. For several years we 
have only occasional glimpses of Columbus. He is 
supposed to be engaged in commercial voyages on the 
Mediterranean and up the Levant, and again in war, 
like contests between the Italian states, and sometimes 
in pious and predatory warfare on the infidels. 

In one instance related by his son Fernando, 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. II 

Columbus commanded a ship in the squadron under 
Colombo, the son of the man with whom Columbus 
first undertook maritime life. He (Colombo) had 
heard that four Venetian galleys richly laden were on 
their return voyage from Flanders, and lay in wait for 
them on the Portuguese coast between Lisbon and Cape 
St. Vincent.' A desperate engagement took place. 
The vessels grappled each other, and the crews fought 
hand to hand, and from ship to ship. The battle last- 
ed from morning until evening, with great carnage on 
both sides. The vessel commanded by Columbus was 
engaged with a large Venetian galley. They threw 
hand grenades and other fiery missiles, and the galley 
was wrapped in flames. The vessels were fastened 
together by chains and grappling irons, and could not 
be separated ; both were involved in one vast confla- 
gration and soon became a mere blazing mass. The 
crews threw themselves into the sea. Columbus seized 
a floating oar, and being an expert swimmer attained 
the shore, though two leagues (six geographical miles) 
from shore. 

After recovering from his exhaustion Columbus re- 
paired to Lisbon, where he found many Genoese 
countrymen, and took up his residence. While in Lis- 
bon Columbus was a regular attendant on divine 
services. At the chapel of the Convent of All Saints 
were many ladies of rank, either as boarders or in 
some religious capacity. . In one of these ladies Colum- 
bus became deeply interested. The name ot the young 
woman was Dona Felipa, the daughter of the late 
Bartolemeo Monis de Perestrello, who had been one of 
the most distinguished navigators under Prince Henry. 



12 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

He had colonized and governed the island of Porto 
Santo, but he left his daughter no wealth, so we have 
every reason to believe that this marriage was one of 
affection only. After his marriage Columbus resided 
with his mother-in-law, who, seeing the interest mani- 
fested by him in matters pertaining to the sea, related 
to him all that she knew of the voyages and expedi- 
tions of her late husband, and brought to him also all 
his papers, charts, journals and memorandums. In 
this manner he became acquainted with the plans, 
conceptions and routes of the Portuguese, and having 
by his marriage and residence become naturalized in 
Portugal he occasionally sailed in expeditions to the 
coast of Guinea. He w^as very poor, supporting his 
family by making maps and charts and sending part 
of his earnings to his aged father for his support and 
the education of his younger brothers. The construc- 
tion of a correct map or chart in those days was 
properly appreciated and the maker was honored as a 
man of science. Columbus was in correspondence 
with the most learned men of the day — among them 
Paulo Toscanelli of Florence. After his mother-in- 
law's death Columbus went to live on the island of 
Porto Santo, his wife having come into the inheritance 
of some property there. This residence was of great 
advantage to him. His wife's sister was married to 
Pedro Correo, a navigator of note, who had at one 
time been governor of the island. Then, too, he was 
frequently visited by navigators to and from Guinea. 
The subject of unknown lands was a fruitful one and 
Columbus began to form a theory. India, as he called 
Asia, was very much wider than it had been laid down 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. I3 

on the maps, by cosmographers, and the ocean was not 
so wide. There were found many things to corrobo- 
rate this theory and many tales from worthy navigators, 
so that at last the theory was formulated that there was 
a large body of undiscovered land in the western part 
of the ocean, that it was attainable and fertile and in- 
habited. But in those days everything moved slowly. 
In 14S1 John II ascended the throne of Portugal. He 
felt the value of discoveries, and becoming impatient 
with the slow way his fleets crept along the sea coast 
because they did not venture into the pathless ocean, 
having nothing to guide them, he called in his two 
physicians, Roderigo and Joseph (the latter a Jew), 
the most able astronomers and cosjnographers of his 
kingdom., together with Martin Behem. They held a 
learned consultation and the result was the application 
of the astrolobe to navigation. It enabled seamen to 
ascertain the distance from the equator by the altitude 
of the sun. Immediately the effect on navigation be- 
gan to be felt. No longer seamen crept around the 
shores, but boldly sailed into the trackless depths. 

The court of Portugal had shown great liberality 
in rewarding nautical discoverers. Most of these dis- 
coverers had been rewarded by being created 
governors of the countries or islands so discovered. 
Columbus was encouraged by this liberality to 
seek an audience of King John II and ask for 
royal patronage in his efforts to undertake a 
shorter and more direct route to India. Two accounts 
descriptive of this audience are given us, one by Joam 
de Barros, the Portuguese historiographer, the other by 
Fernando, the son of Columbus. There is a great dis- 



14 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

crepancy between these versions of the audience. 
Fernando describes the king as listening with great 
interest to his father, who consented to the terms 
asked by Columbus. Barros attributed the seeming 
acquiescence of the king to the importunities of 
Columbus, whom he considered a vainglorious man, 
given to fancies and fond of displaying his abilities. But 
there are reasons to believe that Barros was wrong. 
Envy w^as at work in the court, and the bishop of 
Ceuta suggested to the king that all the advantages 
to be gained by the enterprise might be attained with- 
out the recompense due to Columbus. So in an evil 
hour the king dispatched a caravel, ostensibly to 
carry provisions to the C^pe de Verde Islands, but 
with sealed instructions to follow the route proposed 
by Columbus. Nothing came of this, however, for 
the ships met with stormy weather and put back to 
port. This dishonorable action aroused the indigna- 
tion of Columbus and he refused to renew the negotia- 
tions, which now King John would have gladly done. 
Columbus sent his brother Bartholoinew to England 
to make proposals. Nothing came of this, for Eng- 
land was not at that time noted for nautical enter- 
prise. Towards the end of 1484 Columbus left Lisbon, 
taking his son Diego with him. For a long time he 
was the guest of Alonzo de Quintanilla in Cordova. 
He felt that it was not the time to lay his projects be- 
fore the throne, for in the early spring the king had 
marched away to the Moorish city of Loxa to lay 
siege to it, and the queen remained to take charge of 
Cordova and send supplies and troops to her husband. 
But on the 12th of June she joined her husband, 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. I5 

besieging Moclin, where both of them remained 
prosecuting the war with unceasing energy. They 
returned to Cordova to celebrate their victories only 
to be called back to the seat of war, this time at 
Gallicia to suppress a rebellion of the Count of Lemos. 
Columbus, through his visit at the house of Alonzo de 
Quintanilla, became acquainted with the Pope's nuncio 
(or especial messenger), Antonio Geraldini, and his 
brother Alexander Geraldini, who was preceptor to 
the younger children of Ferdinand and Isabella. Both 
of these men proved influential friends, and whenever 
he had opportunity to speak before an audience about 
his proposed discoveries he was listened to with courte- 
ous attention. The wife of Columbus, Dona Felipa, 
died while he remained in Lisbon. Little is known of 
the circumstances attending her death. While in 
Cordova Columbus met and became attached to a 
beautiful woman of the nobility, Beatrix Euriquez, 
who, however, had unfortunately lost her fortune. 
This marriage with her was never made public, though 
his son by her, Fernando, was treated with perfect 
equality with Diego. Historians of later days believe 
that he was married to the Spanish lady. Certain it 
is that in his last days he grieved much for the un- 
kindness he had shown her. 

It was in the winter of 1487 that Columbus gained 
an audience of King Ferdinand, who called a council 
at Salamanca. It was held in the Dominican convent 
of St. Stephen, where he was treated as a distinguished 
guest during the examination. King Ferdinand was 
pleased with Columbus, but would not trust his own 
judgment, so he called together the most learned men 



l6 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

in his kingdom to listen to Columbus. Most of the 
wise men of the time were in the church. Indeed, 
these religious men were often at the head of armies. 
Among the men who came to confer with Columbus 
were professors in mathematics, in astronomy, geog- 
raphy and other sciences. 

Before this erudite council Columbus made but a 
poor showing. Almost all of them came there pre- 
disposed against him. Some of them considered him 
an adventurer, others only a visionary. He was a 
poor man and belonged to no sect or society. At first, 
when he told of the grounds upon which he based his 
belief, it was only the friars of St. Stephen who 
would listen to him. We are told that instead of 
geographical objections these wise monks hurled at 
him citations from the Bible, the book of Genesis, the 
Psalms of David, the Epistles, the Gospels, and to 
these were added expositions of a long line of saints. 
Doctrinal points were mixed with philosopical dis- 
cussions. Indeed, though Columbus was a devoutly 
religious man, he was in danger of being convicted 
not merely of error, but of heterodoxy. Yet Colum- 
bus had great confidence in himself — more in his God. 
He spoke "as one having authority." His manner 
was commanding, his demeanor elevated, and he 
poured forth those magnificent texts of scripture and 
predictions of prophets which in sublime moments he 
felt to be descriptions of his own discoveries. He 
won the most learned prior, Diego de Deza, to his 
reasoning. This was the same Deza who afterwards 
became archbishop of Seville. He took a generous 
interest in Columbus and to his efforts were due the 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. I7 

winning over of many scholastic men. But there 
were many long and disappointing delays. Indeed, 
so disheartened was he that he commenced negotations 
with King John II to return to Portugal. He was re- 
warded by an invitation to come to court and assured 
he would be protected from all suits of a civil or 
criminal nature. He also received a letter from 
Henry VII of England, inviting him to the country 
and holding out promises of encouragement. 

We find, too, that the Spanish crown was also 
offering him allurements, for he received a large sum 
of gold w^ith summons to attend the Castilian court, 
and the date of this memorandum is immediately after 
the reception of the letter from England. 

In the spring of 1489 he was summoned to attend a 
conference of learned men in Seville. But again there 
was a long delay and Columbus took up arms in the 
interest of Spain. His career was honorable and the 
campaign the most glorious of" the war of Grenada. 
Then followed the preparations, and at length the 
marriage of the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella 
to Don Alonzo, heir apparent to the throne of Portu- 
gal. So through the whole winter and spring the 
court was in a tumult of parade and pleasure. Noth- 
ing was to be seen at Seville but feasts and tourna- 
ments, torchlight processions and general gaiety. 
Poor Columbus ! Surely he was a man of disappoint- 
ments. He still, in a great measure, supported himself 
by making maps and charts. At length he determined 
to leave Spain. His way lay past the convent of 
Santa Maria de Rabida. With him was bis son Diego. 
The child was thirsty and hungry, too', so Columbus 



l8 FOUR hundred' years of AMERICA. 

asked for a mouthful of bread and a little water for 
the child, and while he was refreshing himself the 
prior of the convent, Juan Perez de Marchena, hap- 
pening to pass by, was interested at once in the ap- 
pearance of the stranger, and observing from his air 
and accent that he was a foreigner, commenced con- 
versing with him and soon knew the particulars of his 
life and his long-defeated hopes. The prior was a 
man of extensive information. He was greatly inter- 
ested in the conversation of Columbus and admired 
the grandeur of his views. It was a remarkable oc- 
currence in the monotonous life of the cloister to have 
a man of such singular merit asking for bread and 
water at the convent gate, and when he found that 
Columbus was about to visit France and ask the pat- 
ronage of that court he detained Columbus, and, afraid 
to rely on his own judgment, he sent for a scientific 
friend, who conversed with Columbus at length. This 
friend was a physician, Garcia Fernandez, whose resi- 
dence was in Palos. Fernandez was as well pleased 
with Columbus as had been the prior. They held 
many conferences, to which many celebrated mariners 
were invited, among them Martin Alonzo Pinzon, \vho 
was the head of a wealthy and influential family all 
devoted to navigation and celebrated for their adven- 
turous expeditions. 

Some of these navigators related facts which were 
quite in accord w^ith the reasonings of Columbus, and 
his project was treated with a deference among these 
sea-faring men of Palos and cloistered monks quite un- 
met with among the scientific men of the courts. 

Martin Alorizo Pinzon was so convinced of the 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. I9 

feasibility of his plans that he offered to engage in it 
with purse and person, and to bear the expense of 
Columbus in a further application to court. 

Friar Juan Perez was confirmed in his faith by the 
concurrence of these learned and practical counsellors. 
He had once been confessor to the queen and knew 
that she was always accessible to persons of his sacred 
calling. He proposed to write to her immediately on 
the subject, and entreated Columbus to delay his 
journey until an answer could be received. Columbus 
was easily persuaded, for he felt that in leaving Spain 
he was again leaving home. By this time, too, he felt 
reluctant about presenting his case to a new court after 
the vexatious experience in Spain and Portugal. 

The little council at the convent of La Rabida 
looked about for an embassador to carry the message 
to the king and queen and chose Sebastian Rodriguez, 
a pilot of Lepe. He was considered one of the inost 
shrewd and important personages in this maritime 
neighborhood. The queen was at Santa Fe, the 
military city built in the Vega before Grenada after 
the burning of the royal camp, " Sebastian Rodriguez 
acquitted himself faithfully, expeditiously and success- 
fully in his embassy. " So wrote Washington Irving. 
He readily found access to the queen and delivered to 
her the friar's letter. The noble Isabella had always 
been favorably disposed towards Columbus. She replied 
in a letter to Juan Perez, thanking him for his timely 
services, and requesting him to repair immediately to 
the court, assuring Christopher Columbus of her con- 
fidence in his plans. This royal letter was brought 
to Juan by Sebastian in fourteen days and brought 



20 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

delight to the little company assembled, eagerly await- 
ing a message from the queen. Immediately after re- 
ceiving it the kind-hearted Juan saddled his mule and 
departed for the court. He journeyed through the 
conquered country of the Moors and rode into the 
new city of Santa Fe, where the sovereigns were 
superintending the investment of the capital of 
Grenada. 

The sacred office of Juan Perez gained him enter- 
tainment in a court distinguished for religious zeal, 
and once admitted to the presence of the queen his 
former relation as father confessor gave him great 
freedom of council. With great enthusiasm he plead 
for Columbus. He was able to speak of his honorable 
motive from actual knowledge and his experience and 
capacity to fulfill the undertaking, as well as the 
riches and glory it would shed upon the Spanish 
crown. The queen was a woman open to warm 
and generous impulses, and when father Juan Perez 
was warmly seconded by the Marchioness of Moya, 
to whom her majesty was deeply attached, she asked 
that Columbus be immediately sent to her, and be- 
thinking herself of his poverty ordered that twenty 
thousand maravedies in florins should be sent to 
him that he might come before the court in fitting 
state. This sum was equal to $216 of United States 
money. Speedily Columbus arrayed himself in be- 
fitting garb and purchased a mule for his journey. 

" Nil desperandum " seems to have been his motto, 
for after all these eighteen years of continued disap- 
pointments he was full of joy and hope. We are told 
that he arrived in time to witness the surrender of 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 21 

Grenada ; that he saw^ Boabdil, the last of the Moorish 
kings, come from the magnificent Alhambra and give 
up the keys to Spain. Many of us are accustomed to 
imagine Isabella and Ferdinand as dark or swarthy 
people. In reality they were fair people with blue eyes 
and light hair. From history and from portraits we 
learn that Ferdinand w^as of the middle stature, well 
proportioned, hardy and active from athletic exercise. 
He had a clear, serene forehead, which appeared more 
lofty from being partly bald. His eye-brow^s were 
heavy, thought they did not meet. Like his hair, they 
were of bright chestnut color. His teeth were white, 
though small and irregular. His eyes were clear and 
animated, his speech fluent and quick. His genius 
w^as clear and comprehensive. His temper was equable, 
and his countenance very pleasant. Isabella possessed 
one of the purest characters described in history. She 
was well formed, of middle size, very graceful, yet 
withal dignified, as became a sovereign. She was 
very fair with clear blue eyes and auburn hair, golden 
in certain light. She exceeded her husband in per- 
sonal dignity, in acuteness of genius and in grandeur 
of soul. In her were combined the active and resolute 
qualities of man with the softer charities of woman. 
She took part in the warlike councils of her husband ; 
engaged personally in his enterprizes, in some in- 
stances surpassing him in firmness and in the intre- 
pidity of her measures. In the civil history of their 
reign the character of Isabella shines most illustriously^ 
She loved her people and she diligently sought their 
good, striving to mitigate the harsher measures of her 
husband without apparently conflicting with his ar- 



32 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

rangements. She was almost bigoted in her piety, and 
yet she was hostile to every measure used to further 
Christianity at the expense of humanity. To her 
honor, be it said, she strenuously opposed the ex- 
pulsion of the Jews and the establishment of the in- 
quisition. She was always an advocate of clemency 
to the Moors, although she was the soul of ^var against 
Grenada. She considered that war Avas essential to pro- 
tect her subjects from fierce and formidable enemies 
and to protect her Christian faith. We are told that while 
her public life and acts Avere princely and august,, in pri- 
vate life her habits were simple, frugal and unostenta- 
tious. She was a promoter of letters and arts, and 
through her efforts Salainanca rose to that height 
which it assumed among the learned institutions of the 
age. She promoted the distribution of honors and re- 
wards for the promulgation of kno^vledge and fostered 
and encouraged the art of printing (lately invented), 
encouraging the establishment of presses in every 
part of her kingdom. Books were imported free of 
duty, and more, we are told, were printed in Spain 
at that early period of art than in the present literary 
age. 

Columbus on his arrival at Cordova was at once 
given into the charge of his friend Alonzo de 
Qiiintanilla, comptroller of the treasury of Castile. 
Again patience was needed. After nearly eight 
hundred years of painful struggle the crescent came 
down and the cross was elevated: The rejoicing was 
great; the whole court and army held a jubilee, for 
this was not merely a triumph of arms, but of religion, 
and was the most brilliant triumph in all Spanish 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 23 

history. A Spanish writer of this time gives a de- 
scription of Columbus : "A man obscure and but little 
known followed at this time the court — confounded 
in the crowd of importunate applicants, feeding his 
imagination in the corners of the ante-chambers with 
the pompous project of discovering a world, melan- 
choly and dejected in the midst of general rejoicing. 
He beheld with indifference and almost contempt the 
conclusion of a conquest which swelled all bosoms with 
jubilee and seemed to have reached the utmost bounds 
of desire. That man was Christopher Columbus." 

The monarchs who had long ago pledged themselves 
to assist Columbus v^hen the long struggle was over 
appointed persons of confidence to meet with him and 
make negotiations, among whom was Fernando de 
Talavera, now risen to be archbishop of Grenada. 
But at the very commencement of negotiations unex- 
pected difficulties arose, for Columbus, believing in 
the grandeur of his discoveries, would listen to nothing 
less than princely conditions. " His principal condition 
was that he should be invested with the title and 
privilege of admiral and viceroy over the countries he 
should discover. The courtiers who treated with him 
were indignant at such a demand. Their pride was 
shocked to see one whom they had considered a needy 
adventurer aspiring to ranks and dignities superior to 
their own. One observed with a sneer that it was a 
shrewd arrangement he proposed, whereby he was se- 
cure, at all events, of a command, and had nothing to 
lose in case of failure." 

To this Columbus promptly replied by offering to 
furnish one-eighth of the cost, on condition of en- 



24 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

joying one-eighth of the profits. To do this he no 
doubt calculated on the assistance of Martin Alonzo 
Pinzon, the wealthy navigator of PfUos. 

His terms, however, were pronounced inadmissible. 
Fernando de Talavera had always considered Colum- 
bus a dreaming speculator, or a needy applicant for 
bread ; but to see this man, who for years had been an 
indigent and threadbare solicitor in his ante-chamber, 
assuming so lofty a tone, and claiming an office that 
approached to the awful dignity of the throne, excited 
the astonishment as well as the indignation of the pre- 
late. He represented to Isabella that it would be de- 
grading to the dignity of so illustrious a crown to lav- 
ish such distinguished honor upon a nameless stranger. 
Such terms, he observed, in case of success, would be 
exorbitant ; but in case of failure would be cited with 
ridicule as evidence of the gross credulity of the 
Spanish monarchs. 

Isabella was always attentive to her spiritual ad- 
visers, and the archbishop, being her confessor, had 
peculiar influence. His suggestions seemed to her 
wise, and she thought possibly she might be paying 
too great a price for the proposed advantages. New 
conditions were offered to Columbus, but he would 
not cede one point of his demands, and so the 
negotiations came to naught. And sadly taking leave 
of his friends he mounted his mule and sallied forth 
from Sante Fe in the early part of February, 1492, on 
his way to Cordova, and thence to France, where he 
intended laying his case before the court of that coun- 
try. The few friends who had clung to him through 
all these disappointing years were filled with deep dis- 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 2^ 

tress. Among the number was Luis de St. Angel, re- 
ceiver of the ecclesiastical revenues in Arragon. He 
immediately repaired to Santa Fe and obtained an 
immediate audience of the queen, accompanied by 
Alonzo de Q^uintanilla. The exigencies of the mo- 
ment gave him courage and eloquence. He did not 
confine himself to entreaties, but almost mingled re- 
proaches, expressing astonishment that a queen who 
had evinced the spirit to undertake so many perilous 
enterprises should hesitate at one \vhere the loss could 
be so trifling and the gain might be incalculable. 
He reininded her how much might be done for the 
glory of God, the exaltation of the church, and the 
extension of her own power and dominion ; what 
cause of regret to herself, of triumph to her enemies, 
of sorrow to her friends, if this enterprise, rejected by 
her, be accomplished by some other power. He re- 
minded her what fame and dominion other princes 
had gained by their discoveries ; hers was the oppor- 
tunity to surpass them all. He vindicated the judg- 
ment of Columbus and the soundness and practica- 
bility of his plans. Neither would even his failure 
reflect discredit to the crown. It was worth the 
trouble and expense to clear up even a doubt upon a 
subject of so much importance. Many arguments he 
used with her, and the Marchioness of Moya, who 
was present, also exerted her powers of eloquence. 

The generous spirit of Isiibella was awakened and 
she seemed for the first time to comprehend the 
grandeur of the enterprise, and when he had fully 
explained to her the liberal off^er of Columbus to bear 
one-eighth the expense and the requisites would be only 



26 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

two vessels and some three thousand crowns, again 
the queen hesitated. The long war had drained the 
treasury, but the hesitation was only momentary. She 
declared she would undertake the enterprise for her 
ow^n crown of Castile, and would pledge her jewels 
for funds. This act forever stamped Isabella's renown 
as the patroness of the discoverer ot the new world. 
There was no need of pledging her jewels, for the 
money was given from the treasury of King Ferdinand 
and was paid back. Part of the first gold brought by 
Columxbus from the new world was used in gilding 
the ceilings of the royal salon in the grand palace of 
Saragoza in Arragon, anciently the Aljaferia or abode 
of Moorish Kings. 

The articles of agreement drawn up between the 
Spanish sovereigns and Columbus were as follows : 

1. That Columbus should have, for himself during 
his life, and his heirs and successors forever, the office 
of admiral in all the lands and continents which he 
might discover or acquire in the ocean, with similar 
honors and prerogatives to those enjoyed by the high 
admiral of Castile in his district. 

2. That he should be viceroy and governor general 
over all the said islands and continents, with the priv- 
ilege of nominating three candidates for the govern- 
ment of each island or province, one of whom should 
be selected by the sovereigns. 

3. That he should be^entitled to reserve for him- 
self one-tenth of all pearls, precious stones, gold, 
silver, spices and all other articles and merchandises 
in whatever manner found, bought, bartered or gained 
within his admiralty, the costs being first deducted. 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 2^ 

4. That he, or his lieutenant, should be the sole 
judge in all causes and disputes arising out of traf- 
fic between those countries and Spain, provided the 
high admiral of Castile had similar jurisdiction in his 
district. 

5. That he might then and at all after times con- 
tribute an eighth part of the expense in fitting out 
vessels to sail on this enterprise, and receive an eighth 
part of the profits. 

The capitulations were dra^vn up by the royal sec- 
retary, Juan de Coloma. They were signed on the 17th 
of April, 1492. A letter of privilege or commission 
to Columbus of similar purport was drawn out in 
form and issued in the city of Grenada by the sovereigns 
on the 13th of the same month. In this the dig- 
nities and prerogatives of viceroy and governor were 
made hereditary in the family and he and his heirs 
were authorized to prefix the title of Don to their 
names ; a distinction accorded in those days only to 
persons of rank and estate, though it has since lost all 
value from being universally used in Spain. All the 
royal documents were signed by both Ferdinand and 
Isabella, but her separate crown of Castile defrayed 
all expenses and during her life few persons except 
Castilians were allowed to establish themselves in the 
new territories. 

Perhaps it tnay be well here to state that stories of 
the Grand Khan, who ^vas supposed to govern Asia, 
and whose wealth and grandeur exceeded even the 
most stibtile flight of fancy, had reached the ears of 
the sovereigns of Spain and Castile, and that in the 
well laid plans of Columbus he calculated to sail di- 



28 F^OUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

rectly to the south of Asia and at once open commu- 
nications with the great magnate of the country. That 
he expected to do great missionary work in converting 
that vast heathen country to a beUef in the true God 
and the holy CathoHc church, there is not the sHghtest 
doubt. There are those who believe that King Ferdi- 
nand was more than kindly disposed to the Grand 
Khan. Certain it is that letters were dispatched from 
the king to the mighty potentate by Columbus. Isa- 
bella's motives seem, like those of Columbus, to have 
been to do a mighty missionary work. Columbus, how- 
ever, went still further. He anticipated acquiring 
boundless wealth, and with it to rescue the holy sepul- 
chres of the Jews from the infidels who possessed 
them. And through all the vicissitudes of life this 
one hope remained steadfast in his breast. 

A mark of home favor was shown to Columbus by 
an albala or letter patent issued on the 8th of May ap- 
pointing his son Diego page to Prince Juan (the heir 
apparent), ^vith an allowance for his support ; an honor 
granted only to the sons of persons of distinguished 
rank. 

Even now when the king and queen had shoNvn 
Columbus marked favors and caused a royal com- 
mand to be issued ordering t\vo caravels — as the small 
light boats \Vere called — which were built high fore 
and aft and without a deck in the middle, with fore- 
castles and cabins for the accommodation of the seamen, 
there were still delays. The smallness of the boats 
was considered by Columbus as very favorable for his 
explorations, allowing him to examine rivers and 
also to keep close to the shore. It was a long 



COI.UMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 29 

time before such boats could be found, and then 
they were pressed into the service, though good 
prices were paid in advance and large rewards 
offered if successful. The vessel destined for Colum- 
bus was furnished by his friends the Pinzons ; it was 
much larger than the others and was called the Santa 
Maria. The second was named the Pinta and was 
commanded by Martin Alonzo Pinzon, accompanied 
by his brother, Francisco Martin, as pilot. The third 
was called the Nina and had latine sails and was com- 
manded by the third brother, Vicente Yanez Pin- 
zon. There were three other pilots, Sancho Ruiz, 
Pedro Alonzo Nina and Bartolomeo Roldan. Roderigo 
Diego de Arana, a native of Cordova, was chief algua- 
zil. Roderigo de Escobar went as a royal notary (an 
officer always sent in the armaments of the crown, to 
take official notes of all transactions). There was 
also a physician and a surgeon, together with various 
private adventurers, several servants and ninety 
mariners, making in all one hundred and twenty 
persons. » 

The little fleet being quite ready for the long 
voyage, Columbus made confession of sins before his 
dear friend Friar Juan Perez and partook of the 
sacrament of the communion. His example was 
followed by both officers and crew, and we are told 
*'they entered upon the enterprise with awe and with 
the most devout and affecting ceremonials." 

It is quite true the seamen went with downcast 
hearts. They never more expected to see the glory of 
Spain. The wide waters were to them appalling and 
many strange tales of the fearful monsters of the deep 



30 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

were rehearsed for the thousandth time. It was the 
3rd of August, 1493, and Friday, when the fleet put out 
to sea from the port of Palos. Let the superstitious 
people who are afraid to commence any work on 
Friday take heart by this. Never was voyage more 
blessed by pleasant \veather ; never was so great a 
gift of earthly things. When Columbus sailed he 
commenced a journey intended for the inspection of 
the Spanish sovereigns. It shows how grand and 
solemn he felt to be the enterprise. He begins it 
thus : "In nomine D. N. Jesu Christi. Whereas, most 
Christian, most high, most excellent, and most power- 
ful princess, king and queen of the Spains, and 
of the islands of the sea, our sovereigns, in the 
present year of 1492, after your highnesses had put 
an end to the war with the Moors who ruled in 
Europe, and had concluded that warfare in the great 
city of Grenada where, on the second of January, of 
this present year, I saw the royal banners of your high- 
nesses placed by force of arms on the towers ot the 
Alhambra, which is the fortress of that city, and 
beheld the Moorish king of that city sally forth from 
the gates and kiss the royal hand of your highnesses 
and of my lord the prince ; and immediately in that 
same month in consequence of the information which 
I had given to your highnesses of the lands of India, 
and of a prince who is called the Grand Khan, which 
is to say in our language king of kings, how that many 
times he and his predecessors had sent to Rome to 
entreat for doctors of our holy faith, to instruct him in 
the same ; and that the holy father had never provided 
him with them, and thus so many people were lost. 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 3I 

believing in idolatries, and imbibing doctrines of perdi- 
tion ; therefore your highnesses, as Catholic Christians 
and princes, lovers and promoters of the holy Chris- 
tian faith, and enemies of the sect of Mahomet, and of 
all idolatries and heresies, determined to send me, 
Christopher Columbus, to the said parts of India, to 
see the said prince, and the people and lands, and 
discover the nature and disposition of them all, and 
the means to be taken for the conversion of them to 
our holy faith ; and ordered that I should not go by 
land to the east, by which it is the custom to go, but 
by a voyage to the west, by which course unto the 
present time we do not know for certain that any one 
has passed. Your highnesses, therefore, after having 
expelled all the Jews from your kingdoms and terri- 
tories, commanded me in the same month of Jan- 
uary to proceed with sufficient armament to the 
said parts of India ; and for this purpose bestowed 
great favors upon me, ennobling me, that thencefor- 
ward I might style myself Don, appointing me high 
admiral of the ocean sea, and perpetual viceroy and 
governor of all the islands and continents I should 
discover and gain, and which henceforward may be 
discovered and gained in the ocean sea ; and that 
my eldest son should succeed me, and so on from 
generation to generation forever. I departed, there- 
fore, from the city of Grenada, on Saturday, the 12th of 
May of the same year 1493, to Palo^, a seaport, where I 
armed three ships, well calculated for much service, 
and sailed from that port well furnished with pro- 
visions and many seamen on Friday, the third of 
August of the same year, half an hour before sunrise. 



32 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and took the route for the Canary Islands of your 
highnesses, to steer my course thence, and navigate 
until I should arrive at the Indies, and deliver the em- 
bassy of your highnesses to those princes and ac- 
complish that w^hich you had commanded. For this 
purpose I intend to write during this voyage, very 
punctually from day to day, all that I may do, and see, 
and experience, as will hereafter be seen. Also my 
sovereign princes, besides describing each night all 
that has occurred in the day, and in the day the 
navigation of the night, I propose to make a chart in 
which I will set down the waters and lands of the 
ocean sea in their proper situations under their bear- 
ings ; and further, to compose a book, and illustrate 
the whole in picture by latitude from the equinoctial, 
and longitude from the west ; and upon the whole it 
will be essential that I should forget sleep and attend 
closely to the navigation to accomplish these things, 
which will be a great labor." 

As a guide by which to sail Columbus had prepared 
a chart, improved upon that which had been sent him 
by Paulo Toscanelli. Neither of them novv^ exist, 
but the globe or planisphere furnished by Martin 
Behem in this year of the admiral's first voyage is still 
extant and furnishes an idea of what the chart of Co- 
lumbus must have been. It exhibits the coast of 
Europe and Africa from the south of Ireland to the 
end of Guinea, and opposite to them, on the other side 
of the Atlantic, the extremity of Asia, or, as it was 
termed, India. Between them is placed the island of 
Cipango or Japan, v>'hich, according to Marco Polo, lay 
fifteen hundred miles distant from the Asiatic coast. In 



■H^^; 



SS 




■-^ 



B^-T^^L-*--, ■ 




Bb-^^k^ 


^' * 


ML' 




^5 




^*Tt» 


"■-_ > 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 33 

his computation Columbus advanced this island about 
a thousand leagues too much to the east, supposing it 
to be in about the situation of Florida, and at this isl- 
and he hoped to arrive first. Columbus from the first 
had felt a lack of confidence in his crew. They had 
been pressed into the service against their wills. On 
the third day out the Pinta made signals of distress ; 
her rudder was discovered to be broken and unhung* 
Columbus could not go to the rescue with his boat* 
There was a stiff breeze and his boat was much larger 
than the others, but fortunately Martin Alonzo Pinzon 
commanded the Pinta, and being a man of resources as 
well as an adroit seaman succeeded in securing the 
rudder with cords so as to manage the vessel for that 
day. The next the cord slipped and the other ships 
were obliged to shorten sail until the rudder could be 
repaired. The damaged state of the Pinta (she was 
leaking as well) determined the admiral to stop at the 
Canary Isles and seek a vessel to replace her. 

They came in sight of the islands on the 9th, much 
to the surprise of the other navigators, who had reck- 
oned on a longer time. There was no vessel to replace 
the Pinta and they were delayed three weeks in putting 
her in sailing order. The latine sails of the Nina 
were also altered into square sails, that she might work 
more steadily and securely, and be able to keep com- 
pany with the other vessels. While sailing among 
these islands they beheld for the first time the peak of 
Teneriffe belching forth flame and smoke, which well 
nigh terrified the sailors, who were ready to fancy 
there was danger in everything. Columbus was 
fortunate in making them understand that it was 



34 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the same sort of eruption as Mt. Etna and Vesuvius. 

While taking in wood and water and provisions in 
the island of Gomera a vessel arrived from Ferro -which 
reported that three Portuguese caravels had been seen 
hovering off the island with the supposed intention of 
capturing Columbus in revenge for his having em- 
barked under the arms of Spain. He therefore quickly 
put to sea. ^ This ^vas early in the morning of the 6th 
of September ; on the 9th, at daybreak, they beheld 
Ferro, the last of the Canary islands, and about which 
the Portuguese caravels had been seen. A stiff breeze 
sprung up, their sails once more filled and they were 
soon away, so that by nightfall they could see not 
even the heights of Ferro. With wise discernment 
Columbus felt that his crews might become early de- 
spondent at the length of the voyage, so h% kept two 
reckonings, one the true one for himself and science 
and one from which he subtracted many leagues 
daily. On the nth of September, w^hen about one 
hundred and fifty leagues v^est of Ferro, they fell in 
with a part of a mast, ^vhich from its size appeared to 
have belonged to a vessel of about a liundred and 
twenty tons burthen and which had been a long time 
in the water. This was looked upon by the cre^v as a 
bad omen, and it required the abundant patience of 
which Columbus had shown himself possessed to keep 
the crew in good hopes. On the 13th of September 
in the evening, being about two hundred leagues from 
the island of Ferro, Columbus for the first time noticed 
the variation of the needle, a phenomenon with which 
he was entirely unacquainted. 

He saw about dusk that the needle, which had al- 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 35 

ways before pointed to the north star, varied about 
half a point or between five and six degrees to the 
north-west. It seemed to him as if indeed they were 
entering another world subject to other laws. He at 
first made no mention of this, but soon the pilots dis- 
covered it for themselves. Columbus was a wise man 
and presently he spoke of the probability of the north 
star m.oving like other heavenly bodies. His renown 
as an astronomer w^as so great that it quieted the fears 
of the pilots. Still the same phenomenon is observed 
and the reason for it is unknown. 

The Pinta with Martin Alonzo Pinzon usually kept 
the lead. She was a fast sailer. There was a cloudiness 
to the north that betokened land, there were flights of 
birds and the air was mild and pleasant. Many of 
the men became despondent only to shout with joy at 
the sight of clouds which so simulated islands that 
they were often deceived. The next day the sea was 
quite covered with floating plants, a phenomenon often 
observed in this part of the ocean. It is believed to 
be aquatic plants which grow in • the bottom of the 
ocean until the seeds ripen and then the whole plant 
floats. These floating fields of weeds in some places 
made sailing difficult, and again the hearts of the 
mariners sank. On the 25th of September the wind 
again became favorable and they were able to resurhe 
their course directly to tt^e west. The air was light 
and the sea calm. The vessels sailed near to each 
other and Columbus had opportunity to converse with 
his tried and true friend Martin Alonzo Pinzon, on 
the subject of a chart which Columbus had sent on 
board the Pinta three days previously. Pinzon 



36 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

thought that according to the map they should be in 
the neighborhood of Cipango. Columbus desired 
the map returned and Pinzon, tying it to the end of 
a cord, flung it to him. Columbus and several of his 
navigators crowded around the map trying to make 
out their whereabouts, when thev heard a shout from the 
Pinta where Martin Alonzo Pinzon was crying, "Land, 
land, I claim my reward." Upon this Columbus threw 
himself face downward upon the deck and returned 
thanks to God, while Martin Alonzo Pinzon recited 
the "Gloria in Excelsis," in which his own crew and 
that of the admiral joined. The seamen climbed to 
the rigging, the rejoicing was very great and yet it 
was only to be followed by a disappointment, for in 
the morning there was no sign of land. With dejected 
hearts they went about their duties. Columbus, how- 
ever, wore a serene and calm face. He spoke sooth- 
ingly and gently to the men. There were many fishes 
and strange birds about them, and the men began to 
fear that they had passed between islands. According 
to the reckoning which Columbus showed them, they 
had come five hundred and twenty leagues since leav- 
ing the Canary Isles ; according to his private reckon- 
ing it had been seven hundred and twenty leagues. 
On the 2d of October evidences of land were so 
plentiful and the weather so beautiful that the men 
grew more hopeful ; each was anxious to receive the 
pension promised to the one who saw land first, and 
so continually was the cry of land, land, that Colum- 
bus declared that the man who cried land, if none was 
discovered in three days afterward, should forever 
forfeit all claim to that pension. 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 37 

On the evening of the 6th of October Martin 
Alonzo Pinzon began to lose faith in their course and 
suggested that they should stand more to the south- 
ward. Columbus still persisted in going directly west, 
which, had he continued, would have landed him in 
Florida. There were many reasons to veer to the 
south-west, which he did, and immediately signs of 
land abounded. Branches of trees floated by them, 
flights of small birds of various colors, such as sing in 
the fields, were seen, tunny fish played about the smooth 
sea. A heron, 9, pelican and a duck were seen, all bound 
in the same direction. The herbage v^hich floated by 
was fresh and green and the air w^as sweet and 
fragrant, like April winds in Seville. All these were 
believed by the disheartened crews to be so many 
delusions, to draw them to destruction. They gathered 
together and became turbulently clamorous. They 
wanted to return home. Columbus attempted to 
pacify them with gentle assurancies, but without avail. 
He then spoke to them decidedly. He told them it 
was useless to murmur. The expedition had been 
sent out by the soverigns to seek the Indies, and 
happen what might he was determined to persevere 
until by the blessing of God he should accomplish the 
enterprise. He was now at open defiance with his 
crew. The situation became desperate. 

The next day, fortunately, the manifestations of 
land were so great that all doubts were dispelled. 
They saw a green fish which they knew always kept 
about rocks. A branch of thorn with berries on it 
and a board floated by, then a reed and a carved staff. 
Gloom and mutiny vanished, sanguine expectation 



38 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

kept every man at his post, hoping to be the first to 
discover the new land. In the evening, ^vhen the 
invariable custom on board the admiral's ship of sing- 
ing "Salve Regina" was concluded, Columbus made 
an impressive address to the crew. He pointed to the 
goodness of God in conducting them across the peril- 
ous ocean sea by gentle breezes. There had been only 
tranquil waters before them. Never had the waves 
been mountain high. The . air about them was sw^eet 
and fragrant, as if laden from orange groves. Surely 
they had been guided and led by the hand of Omnipo- 
tence. He thought a vigilant outlook should be kept 
that night, and promised a velvet doublet to the first 
to discover the land in addition to the pension offered 
by his sovereigns. In an instant every man became 
animated and no one slept that night. As the dark- 
ness came on Columbus took up his station on the top 
of the castle or cabin on the high poop of his vessel, 
maintaining an unremitting watch. About ten 
o'clock he thought he distinguished a light at a great 
distance. Fearing his eyes might deceive him, he 
called Pedro Gutierrez, gentleman of the bed-chamber 
of the king, and inquired if he saw such a light. He 
did. Still Columbus thought it might be a delusion, 
so he called Rodrigo Sanchez of Segora, but by the 
time he had ascended the round house the light had 
disappeared. Afterward they saw it again in sudden 
glances as though it was a torch being carried about. So 
transient and uncertain were these gleams that only 
Columbus attached importance to them. 

Again it was Friday morning, October 12th, before 
him who had watched unceasingly the whole night. 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 39 

The dawn revealed not a vanishing cloud, but a level 
island, many leagues in extent and like an orchard 
covered with trees. There were no signs of gardens or 
cultivated fields, but there were many inhabitants who 
seemed to be gazing with astonishment at the strange 
apparitions. These people were perfectly naked, and 
painted with a variety of colors. Some were painted 
about one eye only, some had the noses colored, and 
some seemed clothed in paint. They were well formed, 
of a coppery color, with black hair, straight, not curly. 
With most of them it was 'cut short behind the ears, 
but with a long lock floating down the back. Their 
faces were beardless. Their faces were undoubtedly 
handsome if not hidden by paint, and their eyes of 
great beauty. All possessed fine foreheads. These peo- 
ple seemed young, not more than thirty years of age. 
There was but one woman with them. She was 
young and of exceeding graceful form, but, like her 
companions, quite naked. Columbus attired himself 
in his scarlet court dress. His companions, Martin 
Alonzo Pinzon and Vincent Janez, his brother, put off 
in company in their boats, each carrying a banner em- 
blazoned with a green cross, having on either side the 
letters F. and Y. (Ferdinand and Ysabella), surrounded 
by crowns. These banners were made especially for 
the enterprise. 

The beauty of the island, the transparency of the sea 
(for the bottom could be plainly seen), the exquisite 
clearness of the air and its odorous sweetness, the beauty 
of vegetation, all filled the heart of Columbus with 
boundless joy. Reverently he bent his knees and kissed 
the earth, returning thanks to God with tears of joy. 



40 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

His example was followed by the rest. Then Colum- 
bus arose, and displaying the royal standard he as- 
sembled around him the two captains with Rodrigo 
de Escobedo, notary of the armament, Rodrigo 
Sanchez and the others who had landed. He took 
solemn possession in the name of the Castilian 
sovereigns, giving the island the name of San Salvador. 
Having complied w4th the requisite forms and 
ceremonies, he called upon all present to take the oath 
of allegiance to him as admiral and viceroy, represent- 
ing the persons of the sovereigns. 

And now the tide of feeling changed. The men 
who were almost ripe for mutiny became the most 
devoted bf followers. They crowded around the 
admiral ; some begged forgiveness, some besought 
favors. They embraced, they kissed him. Some fell 
a^ his feet. The natives from a little distance watched 
all this. When the morning broke and they beheld 
the ships in their harbor they thought them monsters 
of the ^vater. The sails they took for \vings. But 
they soon perceived that creatures like themselves, 
only w^ith white faces and hands and richly clothed, 
were upon them. They perceived with what dif- 
ference Columbus was treated, and they felt kindly 
draw^n to him themselves. His height, his grace, his 
pleasant countenance and his dignity, together with 
his scarlet costume, all made a great impression upon 
them. 

When the Spaniards first came upon the island with 
gorgeous colors and glittering steel the natives fled 
from them, but finding themselves unpursued they 
regained confidence and slow^ly returned and gathered 



* 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 4I 

about the strangers while they took formal possession 
of the island. After this they came timidly and 
touched the Spaniards— their white faces and hands, 
their clothing. Columbus was pleased with their 
gentleness and he bore their scrutiny with perfect 
acquiescence and won them by his benignity. As he 
supposed he was on an island adjacent to India, he 
called the people Indians— a name which has since 
been applied to all aboriginals in the new world. The 
arms of the islanders were lances with ends hardened 
by fire or pointed with flint or the teeth or bone of a 
fish. There was no iron to be seen, and it was evident 
they knew nothing of it, for when a drawn sword was 
pfesented they seized the sharp edge. Columbus gave 
them presents of colored caps, glass beads, hawks' 
bells and other trifles, such as the Portuguese were ac- 
customed to trade with among the nations of the gold 
coast of Africa. The presents were eagerly received. 
They hung the beads about their necks and were 
delighted with the tinkling of the hawks' bells. All 
day the Spaniards remained on shore, refreshing them- 
selves in the beautiful groves, and returning to the 
ships late in the evening delighted with what they had 
seen. The next morning, when day broke, the shore 
was alive with natives, who immediately got into 
boats called canoes, made from the body of a tree 
hollowed out till it would hold fifty men. These 
canoes were propelled by paddles, and they were very 
dexterous in their use. If a boat capsized they swam 
as if water was their native element, and uprighting 
the boat baled it out with calabashes. These were 
the product of great trees like elms. 



A3 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

The Indians were eager to procure more toys and 
brought objects to barter for them, domesticated 
parrots, cotton yarn in great balls weighing twenty- 
five pounds, to be exchanged for the merest trifle. 
They brought also cakes of a bread they called 
cassava. It was made from the root of the yucca, 
grated or scraped and strained in a press, making a 
broad, thin cake which was dried hard so it would 
keep for a long time, and which they steeped in water 
before eating. It was tasteless, but nourishing ; but 
if the w^ater strained from it was drank it was death. 

The discoverers ^vere excited to avarice at the sight 
of the small gold ornaments worn by some of the 
Indians in their noses. They were asked where it 
was found, and the reply pointed to the south. But 
as gold was an object of royal monopoly in all enter- 
prizes of discovery Columbus forbade any traffic in it 
without his express sanction, reserving all trade in 
both gold and cotton to the crown wherever it should 
be found in any quantity. He understood from the 
natives that in the south gold was so plentiful as to 
be made into plates on w4iich the king's food was 
served. They showed him scars, marks of wounds in 
encounters with these people, whose countries they 
invaded for gold and precious stones. 

It is not improbable that much of this intelligence 
was the result of Columbus' fancy. His imagination 
was very active and now all things to him were rose 
colored.- He persuaded himself that he was among 
the islands spoken of by Marco Polo as lying opposite 
Cathay, in the Chinese sea, and he construed every- 
thing to accord with these wealthy regions. The 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 43 

enemies the natives spoke of coming from the north- 
west he thought must be the people of the continent 
of Asia, subjects of the Grand Khan of Tartary. He 
had been misled in this by the Venetian traveller who 
represented the Grand Kahn as accustomed to make 
war on surrounding islands, carrying off their riches 
and enslaving* their inhabitants. The country to the 
south abounding in gold could be only the famous 
Cipango, and the king whom they described as eating 
from golden dishes must be he whom Marco Polo de- 
scribed, even the roof of whose habitation was of plates 
of gold. 

The natives called this island upon which Colum- 
bus first set foot "Guanahani." It is still called San 
Salvador on the maps, though English seamen call it 
Cat Island. San Salvador is one of the great cluster 
of Bahama or Lucayos Islands which stretch from the 
coast of Florida to Hispaniola, covering the northern 
coast of Cuba. 

On the morning of the 14th the admiral set off at 
daybreak with the ship's boats to reconnoitre the 
island, directing his course north-east. The coast was 
surrounded by a reef of rocks, but within these was a 
harbor of sufficient depth and size to hold all the ships 
of the known world. The entrance was narrow and 
there were several sand banks, but the water was still 
as a pool. The island was well wooded. It con- 
tained a large lake in the center and streams of sweet 
water. They passed a few villages, the inhabitants of 
which ran out and prostrated themselves either in 
giving thanks' to heaven or in worship of these white 
men; who appeared to them supernatural creatures. 



44 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

They ran along the shore offering to the boatmen vari- 
ous fruits and vessels of water. When the vessels 
still continued on their course many threw themselves 
into the sea and followed them, others came in canoes. 
The admiral received them kindly, giving them pres- 
ents of beads and other trifles, which they received 
with great delight, for they thought their visitors 
were from heaven. At length they came to a place 
.that nature seemed to have made for a fortress. On 
it were six Indian cabins surrounded by gardens and 
groves as beautiful as those of Castile. The sailors 
being wearied by long rowing and the island not 
seeming to the admiral worthy of colonization, he 
returned to the ship, taking seven natives with him 
that they might acquire the Spanish language and 
serve as interpreters. Having supplied the boats with 
wood and water, they sailed from the island of San 
Salvador, hoping soon to reach the famous Cipango. 
He had no doubt but that he was among the islands 
studding the sea of China. According to Marco Polo 
these were seven or eight thousand in number and they 
abounded with all manner of precious stones, gold, sil- 
ver and spices. He selected the largest island in sight 
and he believed the natives told him that the people 
of the island wore necklets and bracelets of gold, and 
other ornaments of the precious metal. But again he 
was doomed to disappointment. The trees and shrubs 
were the most beautiful he had ever seen and the 
odor from abundant flowers so sweet the air was like 
a taste of heaven. They went on shore and took for- 
mal possession, naming the island Santa Maria de la 
Conception. The Indians w^ere simple-minded like 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 45 

those Ihey had already met and took them for heavenly 
visitantfi. Columbus with his gentle courtesy im- 
pressed them favorably and he gave to them the trifles 
which they received with delight. In returning to 
the boats they came across a solitary canoe man. He 
was evidently going to notify adjoining islanders of 
the approach of the ships, so Columbus took him on 
board and treated him with the utmost kindness. The 
sea about these islands was so clear that, looking down, 
all manner of beautiful things were to be seen — shells 
of exquisite shape, fish of colors to rival humming birds, 
and seaweeds of gorgeous colors — but so deep that at 
the distance of two gun shot there was no anchorage. 
The next morning the canoe of the Indian was hoisted 
overboard, his effects were given to him again and he 
went his way rejoicing. Many little kindnesses were 
thus shown the islanders by Columbus. All who 
came on board were given bread and honey or sugar 
to eat. To this island he gave the name of Fernan- 
dina. Now it is known as Exuma. The habitations 
w^ere constructed like a conical tent. They were 
made of branches of trees, of reeds and of palm leaves. 
They were uniformly clean and neat. The beds were of 
cotton and hung from side to side and were called 
"hamacs." The people seemed more intelligent and 
ingenious than their neighbors, and the women had 
aprons and mantlets of cotton, but these were not 
universal, and for the most part they were unclothed. 
In an attempt to circumnavigate the island Columbus 
found within two leagues of the north-west cape a 
noble harbor, sufficient to hold a hundred ships and 
supplied with two entrances formed by an island 



46 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

lying in the mouth of the harbor. There, while the 
men landed in search of water, he sat down in a grove 
to meditate on the ^vonders and the beauties of God's 
handiwork. The natives kindly assisted his men to 
the sweetest waters. They filled their casks and 
assisted in rolling them to the coast, but Columbus 
saw nothing of the mighty king or evidences of the 
expected gold mine, so they again spread sails, leaving 
Fernandina on the 19th of October. They steered to 
the south-west in quest of an island called Saometo. 
Again they were doomed to disappointment. The 
climate was exquisite, the scenery sublime, the natives 
kind and gentle, but there wa^ 7io gold. To this 
beautiful island he gave the name of Isabella. Of it 
he writes : "As I arrived at this cape there came a 
fragrance so good and soft of the flo^vers and trees of 
the land, that it was the sweetest thing in the world.- 
I believe there are here many herbs and trees which 
would be of great price in Spain for tinctures, medi- 
cines and spices, but I know nothing of them, which 
gives me great concern." 

There were no animals in these islands save a kind 
of dumb dog (at least he never barked), and a rabbit, 
lizards and guanas, or igunas, as they are now called. 
To the seamen they were dreadful monsters, but the 
natives found them harmless and good for food. For 
several days Columbus hovered about this island, 
hoping to see the monarch. At length he was con- 
vinced that he had been misinformed or had misunder- 
stood the natives. 

Now he began to hear of an island called Cuba. 
From the natives he understood it to be of great 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 47 

extent, abounding in gold and pearls and precious 
stones and spices, and that great ships carried on a 
trade with it. He accordingly laid his plans to visit 
Cuba and Bohio. His sojourn would depend upon 
the quantities of gold and other precious articles he 
should find there. He was quite sure that it would 
take only about ten days' sailing to reach the main 
land of India, where he would at once seek the great 
city of Quinsai and deliver in person the letters from 
his sovereign to the Grand Khan. 

But contrary winds and calms and heavy showers 
(for it was now the rainy season) delayed his de- 
parture several days. At midnight on October 34th 
he set sail, but was becalmed until midday, when a 
gentle breeze sprang up and, to quote his own words, 
"began to blow most amorously." All sails were 
spread and after three days, touching in his course a 
group of islands which he called "Islas de Arena," he 
came in sight of Cuba on the 28th of October. 

It is believed that the part which he first discovered 
is the coast to the west of Neuvitas del Principo. As 
'he neared the island he was overcome with its mag- 
nitude, its grandeur, its lofty mountains, sweeping 
plains, noble rivers, promontories and stretching head- 
lands. Over all was the beautifully clear and fragrant 
atmosphere, and he anchored in a broad river whose 
deep bottom could plainly be seen. He took posses- 
sion of the island, calling it Juana, and named the 
liver San Salvador. Two boats manned by natives 
started out to meet him, but were frightened back 
when they observed them sounding the river for 
anchorage, and reaching the shore fled into tne in- 



48 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

terior. Columbus and some followers examined their 
cabins, but disturbing nothing again went to the river 
and sailed up. The views were most beautiful, and 
Columbus, who highly appreciated the beauties of 
nature, was delighted beyond measure at the enchant- 
ing prospect. Probably nowhere in the world is more 
beautiful and greater diversity of scenery. The splen- 
dor of colors, of flowers, birds, butterflies, fish and 
shells are unequalled ; even the insects are of such 
beauty that many a West Indian belle wears one or 
more of them in her dusky hair, because they are more 
beautiful than gems. The forests abound with gor- 
geously plumed birds ; flocks of parrots (or parroquets) 
obscured the sun, and these, unlike their gray cousins 
of Africa, wore many brilliant hues. Green, yellow, 
blue and scarlet were often on the same bird, while 
butterflies and humming birds were clothed in raiment 
like unto nothing but precious stones of the greatest 
brilliancy. He thought he had conclusive proof that 
Cuba contained gold mines, spice groves, and that its 
shores abounded with pearls, as he found the shells of 
oyster-bearing pearls along the shores. In some 
places the grass grew quite down to the water's edge 
without the intervening strip of sand. It is a singular 
fact that the hurricanes so common as to -work great 
devastation on the Bahamas seldom visit Cuba, and 
to Columbus it seemed that the very elements were 
charmed into gentleness as they approached this beau- 
tiful spot. After sailing to the north-west for some 
distance, they came in sight of a great headland, to 
which he gave the name of Cape of Palms from the 
trees which covered it. It is now known as the 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 



49 



entrance to Lagiina de Moron. There three of the 
natives of Guanahani, who were on board the Pinta, 
informed the commander, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, that 
behind the Cape of Pahns there was a river, and four 
days' journey up the river would bring them to 
Cubanacan, where there was much gold. By this they 
designated a place in the center of the island, nacan 
in their dialect signifying center. Pinzon had care- 
fully studied the map of Toscanelli and he fully be- 
lieved in Columbus' views that this was near — nay 
really — terra firma ; that the city of which the 
Indians spoke was that of the residence of Cubal 
Khan. He immediately sought and communicated his 
ideas to Columbus. This at once put an end to the delu- 
sions under which the admiral had kept himself, but he 
substituted another. He conceded that he had been 
mistaken in thinking the island was Ci.pango and was 
now of the opinion that he was in Asia. He resolved 
at once to seek the river and send forward a messenger 
bearing a present to the potentate of the country, 
which probably bore allegiance to the Grand Khan, 
and after visiting his dominions he would set out for 
the capital of Cathay, where the Grand Khan resided. 
But he could not reach the river. Cape stretched 
beyond cape ; there was no anchorage, and the wind 
became contrary. The heavens threatened storms, 
and so they put back to the Rio de los Mares. 

On the ist of November he sent boats ashore, 
but the inhabitants fleeing before his men, he supposed 
they mistook his little fleet for one of the scouring ex- 
peditions sent out by the Grand Kahn to make 
prisoners and slaves. He sent a boat on shore again, 



50 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

carrying an Indian interpeter who was instructed to 
assure the people of the peaceable and beneficent in- 
tentions of the -Spaniards, and that they had no con- 
nection with the Grand Kahn. After the Indian had 
proclaimed this from the boat he sprang into the 
water and swam to the shore. He was well received 
and so successful in calming their fears that before 
eventide there were more than sixteen canoes about 
the ships offering cotton yarn and other simple wares 
in traffic. Columbus forbade all traffic except for 
gold, that the natives might be tempted to produce 
the real riches of the country. They had none to 
offer ; but one man. wore a metal ornament and his was 
a silver nose ring. Columbus understood this man to 
say that the king lived four days' journey in the 
interior and that messengers had been already dis- 
patched to him bearing news of the visitors, and that 
in three days' time messengers would arrive from the 
king, as well as merchants from the interior to trade 
with the ships. Very anxious poor Columbus was by 
this time, so he dispatched two Spaniards, Rodrigo de 
Jerez and Luis de Torres, the latter a converted Jew, 
who spoke both Hebrew and Chaldaic and a little 
Arabic. One or the other of these languages Colum- 
bus supposed would be understood by the prince. 

But we have no space to tell more of the illusions 
of this extraordinary man. Suffice it to say that some 
time between the 6th and 12th Hispaniola w^as dis- 
covered. A cross was erected with due solemnities. 
Here he again heard of a wonderful city with much 
gold. The city was found to consist of a thousand 
houses, but there was little gold. A cross was erected 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 5 1 

in the middle of the city, the natives assisting in the 
erection. Tlien he took sail again for the illusive 
kingdom. He visited many islands, always treating 
the natives with kindness. He experienced only 
kindness in return. 

On Christmas eve, by the carelessness of the helms- 
man (a mere boy, in direct opposition to the admiral's 
orders that the bo^ns should on no account have charge 
of the ship), the boat was driven on a reef and finally 
lost. The crew was saved and, thanks to the com- 
mander, or cacique, as he was called by the Indians, 
all the cargo was unloaded and safely put upon the 
shore and carefully guarded by forces under command 
of the ^cacique, until houses could be built in which 
they might be deposited. Never were shipv/recked 
people treated with greater kindness. On the 36th of 
December Guacanagari came on board the caravel 
Nina to visit the admiral, and finding him despondent 
was himself moved to tears. He entreated him not 
to be cast down and offered him anything and every- 
thing in his possessions that might be of use to him* 
The sailors who came from the shore brouorht tales of 
great lumps of gold offered for barter at almost no 
price. There was said to be a mountain only a little 
distance away where the gold was dug without 
trouble. The place was really a mountainous one, 
and years afterwards yielded rich mines. It was called 
Cibao, and Columbus confounded it with Cipango, 
The greatest of kindness and many valuable presents 
were given by this noble Indian to Columbus and his 
followers. They were entertained on shore and every- 
thing that could add to their happiness was done. 



52 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Columbus distributed toys and gewgaws, which 
pleased the simple-minded natives beyond measure. 
One brought a handful of gold dust which he offered 
for a hawk's bell, and when he had received it fled 
away to the woods, often looking back as if he feared 
the Spaniards would repent and take it from him. 
The kindness of the natives, the beauty of the country, 
the absence of toil was looked upon so favorably by 
many seamen that they spoke to Columbus of remain- 
ing, as the caravels would be so crowded on the re- 
turn voyage. So Columbus concluded to settle a 
colony. The fortress could be constructed from the 
dismantled ship. The colonists could explore the 
country, could learn where the mines were situated, 
and could barter for gold. They could become 
familiar with the manners and usages of the islanders, 
which would be of great value later. Guacanagari 
was delighted that part of the men would remain, for 
they had promised to assist them in defense from their 
enemies, the Caribs. While the fortress was in point 
of construction Columbus had word of a large vessel 
seen at the eastern end of the harbor. He thought at 
once it must be the Pinta, which had now been miss- 
ing for some time, but messengers dispatched in search 
of it could not find it. For a time despondency seized 
him, for the peril of the return was very great with 
only the crazy old vessel between him and destruction ; 
and asrain he was elated with the discoveries that each 
day brought forth. It took ten days to construct the 
fortress. The guns were mounted and ammunition 
stored safely. Thirty-nine men were selected to re- 
main, among them men of all trades. The command 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 53 

was given to Diego de Arana, a native of Cordova 
and notary and alguazil to the armament. In case of 
his death Pedro Gutierrez, and in case of his also 
Rodrigo de Escobedo were to rule. 

Columbus assembled the colony and earnestly ad- 
dressed them, giving them wise counsels. He had a 
volley fired from the guns, to show the inhabitants 
what a defense they would prove against the Caribs. 
A sad parting took place between the Spaniards who 
were to remain, and probably an equally sad one 
among the Indians who were to leave their country 
for a sojourn in Spain. 

It was on the 4th of January, 1493, that Columbus 
sailed from La Navidad on his return. They had 
weathered the cape only about ten leagues when the 
lost Pinta appeared sailing directly towards them. 
Every heart was overjoyed. When the winds al- 
lowed them to meet, Pinzon excused his desertion by 
stress of weather. Columbus listened passively, but 
dubiously. He had been told that Pinzon's cupidity 
had been excited by stories of a land to the eastward 
filled with gold. His vessel was by far the fastest 
sailer and he had sought the golden region. Together 
they returned to Spain, stopping for wood and water 
at a river where gold could be seen in the sand. 
Columbus named it Rio del Oro,. now known as 
Santiago. 

After many vicissitudes Columbus reached Palos. 
His triumphant return was a great event. The bells 
were rung, business was stopped and tumultuous joy 
reigned, and when he landed a procession wfts formed 
to the largest church, there to return thanks to God. 



54 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Nearly every sailor on board these ships had relatives 
and personal friends in the city. Columbus dis- 
patched a letter to the sovereigns and soon afterwards 
went to Seville to await their orders, taking with him 
six of the aborigines (three were sick at Palos and 
one had died at sea). 

It is quite true that on the very evening the grand 
reception to Columbus was being held in Palos the 
Pinta entered the river. Pinzon's ship had been so 
driven about that he supposed the wretched Nina 
was lost, and he had written to the sovereigns giving 
information of the discovery he had made, and asking 
permission to come before the court and communicate 
the particulars. But his heart died within him when 
he heard the peals of thanksgiving. He feared to 
meet Columbus lest he have him arrested for desertion. 
He landed from a small boat, and kept out of sight, 
until Columbus was on his way to Seville. He re- 
ceived a reply from his sovereigns reproaching him 
for misconduct, and forbidding his appearance at court. 
He suffered deeply from chagrin and soon died. He 
was a brave man and possessed many virtues. Let 
us forget his errors. Columbus was royally welcomed 
at Barcelona, receiving the highest attention, and 
yet no one fully understood the value of his achieve- 
ment. With regard to the papal bull of partition and 
the diplomatic negotiations between Spain and 
Portugal, we have no space here to mention them. 

Columbus returned to the New World about the 
3rd or 4th of September. They landed at the island 
of Gaudaloupe. After many adventures among these 
islands, Columbus sailed to Navidad on the 27th. 



COLUMBUS AND HIS DISCOVERIES. 55 

Very bad news he received. Some of the Spaniards 
were dead, some had taken Indian wives and were 
living in a distant part of the island. There had been 
a great battle, in which many lives had been destroyed 
and the good Giiacanagari had been badly wounded. 
Afterwards Columbus had reason to think that the 
good Guacanagari was "no better than he ought to be." 
The first Christian city of the New World was named 
Isabella. The harbor was about ten leagues east of 
Monte Christo. A malaria prevailed in the new city, 
and the admiral was not exempt from the illness. 
Then there was much discontent. The ships set sail 
for Spain about the middle of February. There was 
much trouble among the settlers, and poor Columbus 
must have had good reason to know that a " ruler's 
life is not exempt from trials and hardships." He 
traveled into the interior and was well pleased with 
his expedition. He afterwards went by water and 
discovered the island of Jamaica. He managed the 
affairs entrusted to him wisely and well. But as there 
are ever persons who look malignantly on those of 
superior attainments, Columbus was a bright and 
shining light for arrows of envy. Vexations and 
.trouble were all around him. Once he was sent from 
the New World to Spain in irons ; he was at once 
released, however, for there was not a shadow of evi- 
dence against him. But his admiralty was never 
restored to him. 

Broken by age and infirmities, and worn out with 
contentions and hardships, Columbus looked forward 
to Seville as a haven of rest. Ever since he had been 
sent home in chains he had not received his revenues. 



56 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

He required a large income to meet his expenditures, 
and very great amounts were due him, so that in very- 
shame he wrote to his son complaining of his pecuni- 
ary troubles. He said, "I live by borrowing." It 
was not for himself he complained, but for his seamen, 
who had not been paid for three years. 

The death of Qiieen Isabella was a severe blow to 
him, and the subsequent treatment of his appeals for 
justice by King Ferdinand no doubt hastened his 
death. Broken in spirit and suffering violently in 
body, he was always patient and thoughtful for all, 
even remembering in his will some things so small 
that it is evident he was careful to be more than 
iionest in the smallest particulars. In his discoveries 
he looked not so much for wealth for himself as a 
good situation for colonists. He examined the rivers 
and the productiveness of the earth. That he pos- 
sessed the soul of a poet and artist none who read his 
descriptions can doubt. He died May 20th, 1506. It 
was Ascension Day, and his last words were: "In 
inanus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum" 
(Into thy hands, oh. Lord, I commend my spirit). 
His body was interred in the convent of St. Francisco, 
but in the year 1536 the bodies of Columbus and his 
son Diego were removed to Hispaniola and interred 
in the principal chapel of the cathedral in the city ot 
San Domingo. Later they were disinterred and lie 
now in Havana, Cuba. In searching the histories of 
earth's noblemen it will be difficult to find a more 
lovely character than that of Columbus, and it is a fit- 
ting tribute at this late day that his name is familiar to 
every American, old and young. 



COLUMBUS. 

Behind him lay the gray Azores, 

Behind the gates of Hercules ; 
Before him not the ghost of shores, 

Before him only shoreless seas. 
The good mate said : " Now we must pray. 

For lo ! the very stars are gone, 
Brave Adm'rl, speak ; what shall I say ? " 

" Why, say, ' Sail on ! sail on ! and on ! *" 

" My men grow mutinous day by day ; 

My men grow ghastly, wan and weak," 
The stout mate thought of home ; a spray 

Of salt wave washed his swarthy cheek. 
" What shall I say, brave Adm'rl, say. 

If we sight naught but seas at dawn? " 
" Why, you shall say at break of day, 

' Sail on ! sail on ! sail on ! and on ! ' " 

They sailed and sailed as winds might blow. 

Until at last the blanched mate said : 
" Why, now not even God would know 

Should I and all my men fall dead. 
These very winds forget their way, 

For God from these dread seas is gone. 
Now speak, brave Adm'rl, speak and say." 

He said : " Sail on ! sail on ! and on ! " 

They sailed. They sailed. Then spoke the mate; 

" This mad sea shows its teeth to-night. 
He curls his lip, he hes in wait. 

With hfted teeth, as if to bite ! 
Brave Adm'rl, say but one good word. 

What shall we do when hope is gone? " 
The words leapt as a leaping sword ; ^^ 

" Sail on ! sail on ! sail on ! and on ! " 

Then pale and worn, he kept his deck, 

And peered through darkness. Ah, that night- 
Of all dark nights ! And then a speck— 

A light ! A light ! A light ! A light ! 
It grew, a star-lit flag unfurled ! 

It grew, to be time's burst of dawn. 
He gained a world ; he gave that world^ 

Its grandest lesson : "On! and on ! " 



CHAPTER III. 

AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 

IN the year 1499, seven years after the discovery of 
America by Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, a 
Florentine navigator, sailed to the eastern coast of 
South America. That his explorations there were of 
any moment history does not state. Vespucci knew 
that it w^as a new worlds and not a part of Asia, as 
Columbus thought, and so the name of the world was 
called America. But, after all, the honor is an empty 
one, for in all these years the story has been handed 
down from generation to generation that Christopher* 
Columbus was the rightful discoverer, and while in 
this year of A. D. 1892 all school children are taught 
the life and discoveries of Columbus, and in almost 
every church in the land Columbian services in honor 
of this long dead hero are held, no reference is made 
to the man w^ho usurped the title of discoverer. 
Amerigo Vespucci was born in Florence, A. D. 145 1. 
He received a liberal education, and was sent by his 
father to Spain on mercantile business. He was at 
Seville when Columbus was making preparations for 
his fourth voyage, and he sailed under Alonzo de 
^ Ojeda. After Vespucci returned to Portugal he pub- 
lished a book pretending that he had visited America 
previous to Columbus, but he offered no proofs to 
substantiate his word. Moreover diligent inquiry 
failed to find any corroborating evidence, and he lost 
the respect of the populace. He died at Seville 
February 23d, 15 12. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE AMERICAN ABORIGINES. 

THAT the aborigines were descendants of the 
inhabitants of the eastern world has been a 
favorite theory with many thinking men of all 
periods in the past four hundred years. There have 
books and papers published by the hundred to prove 
that the red men were the ten lost tribes of Israel, 
that they were the descendants of Kamtchatkans, and 
very many other theories. In the ruins of ancient 
Peru there is a marked resemblance in sculpture to 
that of Egypt. There are traditions among many of 
the tribes that apparently support the theory of the 
lost Israelites. But there are no facts to substantiate 
any such theory. In Central America and Peru 
civilization had reached a high degree, but the glories 
had waned before the advent of the white man. That 
in the Mississippi valley there had existed a race of 
people now known as the mound builders, v^ho were 
far abov^e the red men of the fourteenth century, there 
is abundant evidence. Fort Ancient in southern Ohio, 
some forty miles south-east of Cincinnati, encloses one 
hundred and forty acres and .would be almost im- 
pregnable from any side. It was well supplied with 
never-failing springs of water, and crops sufficient to 
maintain the fortress in time of siege could be grown 
inside its defenses. There are many other forts in 
Ohio now to be seen, and the mounds are so arranged 
that, through the southern part of the State at least, 



6o FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

signal fires could be lit upon them and news could be 
communicated in a very short space of time over a 
great area of country. These mounds are constructed 
in regular order, and at about the same distance (two 
miles apart). The contents of the mounds show 
skeletons of remarkable size, fragments of pottery, 
large stone celts, spear heads of yellow flint and ashes. 

The Serpent Mound in Adams county, Ohio, 
represents a serpent one thousand feet long in the act 
of swallowing an egg one hundred and sixty-five feet 
long. Some great mounds were the bases of watch 
towers or signal stations. 

The red Indians belong to the Ganowarian or bow 
and arrow family of men. Above the sixth parallel 
of latitude the entire continent from Labrador to 
Alaska was inhabited by the Esquimaux. 

The name signifies ^/le eaters of raw meat. They 
live in hovels, partly underground, roofed with ice 
and snow. Occasionally they have huts constructed 
out of the bones of whales and walruses. In winter 
they are clad with the skins of seals, in summer with 
those of the reindeer. Their food is principally whale 
blubber and the meat of bears. They have dogs 
trained to draw sledges, which, aside from canoes 
only used in their short summer, is their only means 
of transportation. In the center of the ice hut a little 
fire of whale blubber is kept alive. There is no 
chimney, so the hut and its inhabitants are well 
smoked. A suit of clothes is w^orn (without change 
or process of cleaning) until worn out. While few 
in numbers, they are the most widely spread nation 
on the earth, according to Mr. Gallatin occupying not 



THE AMERICAN ABORIGINES. 



6l 



less than 5,400 miles of coast. The Moravian Mission 
in Greenland has succeeded in converting many of 
them to Christianity, and they are represented by the 
missionaries to be a wild and teachable people, easily 
led by kindness to distinguish between right and 
wrong, but incorrigibly dishonest and prone to lying 
with strangers. 

Lying north of the Esquimaux, embracing the 
greater part of Canada and nearly all the portion or 
the United States east of Mississippi, and north of the 
thirty-seventh parallel of latitude, lived the great fam- 
ily of the Algonquins. The tribes of this family were 
nomadic, roaming from hunting ground to hunting 
ground and river to river, for they lived by hunting 
and fishing. Agriculture, though not unknown, was 
not esteemed by them. There were many tribes of this 
family subservient to a great chief. These people were 
already in a decline. When discovered by Europeans 
'whole tribes were destroyed by w^asting diseases. 

The powerful Huron Iroquois were a part of the 
Algonquin tribe. Their domain was from the Geor- 
gian Bay and Lake Huron to Lakes Erie and Ontario, 
south of these lakes to the upper Ohio and west to the 
river Sorrel. There was a confederacy of tribes in 
this large district. Generally, though not always, they 
acted in unison in times of war. At the time of their 
greatest power there were nine allied nations — the 
Hurons, living north of Lake Erie ; the Erics and 
Andaster, south of the lake ; the Tuscorias of Caro- 
lina, who afterwards joined their kinsmen in the 
north ; the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas 
and Mohawks, constituting the famous five nations 



63 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of New York. The warriors of these nations were 
the most noble of the great red men. They were 
brave, patriotic, and eloquent ; they lived in respect- 
able villages and tilled the soil with considerable suc- 
cess. As friends thev were faithful, as enemies fearful. 

The Cherokees occupied Tennessee. For a primi- 
tive nation they were highly civilized and unlike 
many other tribes. Contact with the whites seemed to 
improve rather than to degrade them. 

The Mobilians occupied the country between the 
lower Mississippi and the Atlantic. The principal 
tribes of the Mobilians were the Yamassees and Creeks 
.of Georgia, the Seminoles of Florida, and the Choc- 
taws and Chickasaws of Mississippi. West of the 
mighty Mississippi was the great race of the Dakotas, 
whose territory extended from the Arkansas river to the 
land of the Esquimaux and westward to the Rocky 
Mountains. The languages and institutions of this 
people, differing much among the various tribas, are 
not so well understood as those of some other nations. 

South of the land of the Dakotas in a district nearly 
corresponding with Texas dwelt the wild Comanches> 
fierce and warlike. 

On the western side of the Rocky Mountains was 
the great family of the Shoshones, the Selish, the 
Klamaths and the California 

On the Pacific slope further southward had dwelt 
the Aztecs and Toltecs. These were the most highly 
civilized of the primitive nations, but also the most 
feeble. Their constructions of wood and stone were 
in advance of any other tribes, but they were a peace- 
ful people, little used to the strategies of war. 



CHAPTER V. 

INDIAN CHARACTERISTICS. 

WITH the exception of the Esquimaux, all In- 
dians have the same physical characteristics : 
a squa're head, low broad forehead, full face » 
and powerful jaws, prominent cheek bones, full lips, 
dark and deeply-set eyes, hair long and wavy ; little 
or no beard, or where it does appear carefully pulled 
out with the tweezers ; color of the skin varying from 
almost white through yellow and copper color to 
brown and nearly black ; height of the men about 
the aveiage, figures erect and slender ; hands and feet 
of both sexes are small and shapely. The women are 
comparatively short, and as age approaches inclined 
to obesity. 

The flat-headed Selish Indians inhabited the region 
between latitude forty-eight and fifty degrees north 
and longitude one hundred and seventeen and one 
hundred and twenty-one degrees west. The peculiar 
shape of their heads was due to a practice in infancy 
ot fastening a great weight upon the forehead. This 
does not appear to diminish the cranial capacity of the 
volume of the brain. This tribe was inferior in 
appearance to the ordinary Indians. They were short 
of stature and ill-formed. The practice of flattening 
the head has fallen into disuse. 

The Indians were a race of stoics, like the Spartans. 
The children were taught to give no sign of pain, 
suffering or hunger. Many of them possessed great 



64 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

oratorical powers. Specimens of oratory are given 
by Abbott in his interesting history o^ Ohio. Law- 
augqua, Pontiac, Logan, Corn Planter, Tecumseh, 
Buckonghelas, White Eyes, Chieftain Pipe, and the 
speeches of many other chieftains are reported. In 
spite of the modern saying that "the only good 
Indian is the dead Indian," no one who carefully 
studies the early history of this continent can fail 
to do honor to the noble red man. The faculties of 
sight and hearing, of swdft and silent movement, of 
long endurance are developed in the North Ameri- 
can Indians in a remarkable degree. 

For several years past there have been many articles 
published in different magazines and journals in favor 
of a common kitchen for a great number of families. 
Among the Iroquois there were many " long houses 
where twenty families were fed from the same kettle 
of corn and beans." 

The agricultural implements of the Indians were 
awkward in the extreme. When the forest was so 
dense that the sun could not reach the earth, they 
bruised the bark of the trees near the ground and then 
exposing the roots by means of rude plows, made 
sometimes from the shoulder blade of the moose, they 
made fires so as to scorch the roots. This caused the 
death of the lower and smaller limbs, letting the sun- 
light reach the earth. Then they gathered all the 
dead wood and burned it till the ashes were from six 
inches to a foot deep. Then ashes and soil were 
mixed as intimately as they could be with the rough 
hoes, and the corn planted in hills. Some authorities 
assert that many tribes planted corn (several grains) 




.,U, S^i^^ ^'^ 



AD/»\INISTRATION Bt'lLDING. 

COLU/'ABIAN EXPOSITION, CHICAGO, 1893. 



INDIAN CHARACTERISTICS. 65 

in an alewife or a horse shoe crab, and that in the hill, 
drawing the earth up around the corn as it grew till 
the hills were as much as two feet in height. As the 
corn grew peas or beans were planted and the vines 
twined around the stalks ; later, pumpkins and an 
inferior sort of melon called macocks. Sun flowers 
were cultivated and made into a sort of bread. Just 
before the corn was ripe the ears were pulled, the seed 
corn was selected from the largest and best ears, and 
hung up to dry in the wigwams. The rest was dried 
in the husk or over smouldering fires, after which it 
was husked by the young men and inaidens, and there 
were as many kisses over red ears as there have been 
since in New England husking bees. When the corn 
was nicely dried it was put in birch bark boxes and 
hidden by the women in places dug in the ground, 
lined with birch bark to keep out the moisture. Many 
Indian warriors were lazy in winter time and if they 
could find nothing to eat they were compelled to hunt 
deer, iTioose of elk. So the squaws grew adept in their 
concealment of the winter granaries. But the hogs 
of the white men were wiser in the hunt for hidden 
grains, and it is said that the uprooting of one of these 
barns near Truro saved the pilgrims from starvation, 
as their store was reduced to a few kernels of corn for 
each individual. Corn well dried and cracked in a 
mortar and long boiled was called o-mo-nee ; when 
it was pounded into a coarse meal by the squawks, and 
sifted through a basket for ash cakes, sup-pawn. Ash 
cakes were of sup-paw^n, salted and stirred up with 
water, and spread upon smooth flat stones, or thin 
slabs of wood and set before the blazing fire to bake. 



66 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

When the Indians could not procure salt from licks or 
the sea they burned the bones of birds, which made a 
tolerable substitute. The aborigines also made a dish 
called mu-si-quatash. It was composed of corn and 
beans, fish and game. In summer the corn and beans 
and perhaps the meat or fish would be fresh. In 
winter it would be dried. Sometimes acorns, artichokes, 
ground nuts, pumpkins and squashes would be cooked 
together. At all events this simple cookery is far 
above that of the Kighis, who boil lambs or goats and 
serve them without disemboweling them. 

Humboldt mentions that potatoes were common 
from Chili to New Grenada. That they were grown 
in Virginia, as was the tobacco plant, we know be- 
cause plants were sent to Ireland by a colony of Sii 
Walter Raleigh's, but both of these plants had been 
imported long before from South America to Spain. 



CHAPTER VI. 

LATER DISCOVERERS OF AMERICA. 

THE following is a condensation of the most im- 
portant discoveries, by whom they were made 
and the time of their discovery. 

1497 — ^June 24th, Newfoundland was discovered by 
John Cabot, who coasted along the shores to Florida. 

1498 — May 30th, Columbus discovered the main 
land. Hitherto he had discovered and taken pos- 
session of islands only. 

1500 — Cabral, a Portuguese, visited the coast of 
Brazil and discovered the mouth of the Amazon. It 
was colonized before 15 15 in all probability. In 1500 
Cortereal touched at Labrador. 

1508 — Vincent Pinzon entered the Rio de la Plata. 
It was in this same year that the Spaniards, finding 
the Indians not strong enough for the labor of mining, 
imported slaves from Guinea, and laid the foundation 
for a traffic that disgraced the civilization of Europe 
for three centuries. 

15 II — Diego Columbus, son of the admiral, Chris- 
topher Columbus, conquered the island of Cuba with 
three hundred soldiers and lost not a man. 

15 13 — Balboa crossed the isthmus of Darien with 
290 men and discovered the South Sea. 

15 19— Hernando Cortez sailed from Cuba with 
eleven ships and 550 men. He landed on the coast of 
Mexico, which had been discovered the previous year. 



68 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

The conquest of Mexico was concluded in 152 1 bj 
950 Spaniards assisted by an army of Indians from 
Tlascala. 

1 53 1 — Peru was invaded by Pizarro and conquered 
in less than a year with a force of 1,000 men. 

^535 — Mendoza, a Spaniard with 2,000 followers, 
invaded Buenos Ayres and conquered the country as 
far as Potosi, where the silver mines were discovered 
nine years later. 

1537 — Cortez discovers Calif6rnia. 

1 541 — Chili conquered, Santiago founded. Orel- 
lana sails from the sources of the Rio Napo down the 
Amazon to the Atlantic. 

1578 — New Albion, on the north-west coast of 
America, discovered by Sir Francis Drake. 

1586 — The Spaniards founded St. Thomas island in 
Guiana. 

1^87 — ^Davis Strait and Cumberland Islands dis- 
covered by John Davis. 

1604 — ^^ Monts, a Frenchman, founded the settle- 
ment known as Acadia — afterwards Nova Scotia. 

1607 — The first permament English settlement on 
the James River in Virginia. 

1608 — Qiiebec founded by the French, who had a 
small neglected colony in Canada from 1542. 

161 1 — Newfoudland colonized by the English; a 
Dutch colony established at Hudson's River. 

1 6 14 — New York founded. 

1618 — Baffin penetrates to the seventy-eighth de- 
gree of latitude in the bay which bears his name. 

1620 — The first English colony established at Ply- 
mouth. In this year the first negroes were imported 



LATER DISCOVERIES OF AMERICA, 69 

into Virginia. They were brought by a Dutch vessel. 

1635 — A French colony established in Guiana. 

1655 — -Jamaica conquered by the English. 

1664 — The Dutch colonies on Hudson River capitu- 
late to the English. 

1666 — The buccaneers begin their depredations on 
Spanish colonies. 

1682 — William Penn established a colony in Penn- 
sylvania. La Salle takes possession of Louisiana in 
the name of the king of France. 

1698 — A colony of 1,200 Scots planted at Darien. 
The next year it ^vas attacked by Spaniards and 
abandoned. 

1733 — Georgia colonized by the English. 

1760 — Canada and the other French settlements 
conquered by the English. 



CHAPTER VII. 

EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 

IN less than ten years after the death of Columbus 
all the principal West India islands were explored 
and colonized. In 15 lo the Spaniards colonized 
the Isthmus of Darien and three years later the gov- 
ernor, Vasco Nanez de Balboa, hearing from the 
natives that another ocean w^as on the v^^estern side, 
crossed the Isthmus and from an eminence looked 
down upon the Pacific. Not content with gazing, 
however, he got down to the water's edge and wading 
out as deep as he dared go he took formal possession 
of the ocean in the name of the king of Spain. 

Ponce de Leon, who had been a companion of 
Columbus in his second voyage, was now growing old. 
He was rich and he wanted to live. The Indians told 
of a fountain in the Bahamas w^herein those who 
bathed renewed their youth. And so the aged cava- 
lier, w^rinkled and yellow, started on the long and 
never-ending search, but the fountain of perpetual 
youth was as illusive to him as had been the kingdom 
of the Grand Khan to Admiral Columbus. It was the 
year 15 12 when Ponce de Leon started in search of 
the fountain. He set sail from Porto Rico, and, stop- 
ping first at San Salvador and the neighboring islands, 
he came on Easter Sunday, which fell that year on 
the 27th of March; in sight of an unknown shore. He 
supposed it, of course, to be an island, though it was 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 7 1 

the most beautiful he had seen. The skies were of 
the bluest, the water the clearest, there w^as great 
variety in the vegetation, the trees were lofty and 
magnificent, the earth was covered with gorgeous blos- 
soms, and the balmy air was fragrant with odorous jessa- 
mine. Birds of splendid plumage equalled only by 
the blossoms in brilliancy of coloring were everywhere, 
while the song birds of quieter hues filled the air with 
sweet music. He called the island, as he supposed, 
Florida, partly for the beautiful flowers and partly in 
honor of the day. A few days later a landing was 
made near the present site of St. Augustine. The 
country was taken possession of in the name of the 
the king of Spain. Still in search of the fountain, the 
knight went south. Carefully he explored the coast 
for many leagues. He discovered and named the 
Tortugas, doubled Cape Florida and then sailed back 
to Porto Rico, not any handsomer and somewhat 
older than he went away. The king of Spain re- 
warded him by creating him governor of the beautiful 
land, and sent him to establish a colony. He did not 
reach the shore again until 152 1, when he found the 
Indians in warlike attitude. They met the intruders 
with bo^vs and arrows, and poor Ponce de Leon was 
badly wounded and carried back to Cuba, to leave the 
wrinkled, worn-out body that no earthly fountain 
could restore. 

Fernandez.de Cordova discovered Yucatan and the 
bay of Campeachy, but in a battle with the natives he 
was mortally wounded and many of his men killed. 

Grijalva explored the coast of Mexico the next year, 
assisted by Cordova's pilot. 



73 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Fernando Cortez brought his fleet to Tabasco and 
began the conquest of Mexico. An army of warriors 
gathered to prevent the invasion, but he svs^ept them 
away and started to confer with Montezuma. The 
embassadors of that monarch, knowing too well his 
weakness, tried to keep Cortez at a distance. They 
made him costly" presents and endeavored in every 
way to dissuade him. Then they hurried back to 
Montezuma, who sent them again to Cortez with more 
valuable presents and earnestly begged him to come 
no nearer. But burning their ships behind them they 
took up their march to the capital. The nations who 
had been tributary to Montezuma now threw ofp his 
yoke and joined Cortez. Poor Montezuma ! He was 
of a weak and vacillating disposition. He was 
frightened till he knew not what to do, and when they 
proudly marched into his capital he came to meet 
them and they camped in the grand central square 
near the temple of the Aztec god of war. 

For a month Cortez rested. It was winter, and he 
and his officers examined everything of note in the 
city. They were allowed to go about freely and even 
examine the altars and thrones, that every day re- 
ceived a human sacrifice. On every side there were 
inexhaustible stores of provisions. There were vast 
treasures of gold and silver, and vast arsenals filled 
with bows and javelins. But Cortez was becoming 
uneasy. The natives were now so accustomed to the 
white men that they no longer took them for emis- 
saries of God. There was danger in the millions of 
natives that sw^armed about his little army. In this 
emergency the dauntless Cortez boldly seized the 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. Jr^ 

monarch and held him as a hostage. As a pretext for 
this outrage he said it was a retort on the Mexican 
governor of an adjacent province, who had attacked 
the Spanish garrison there, and that Montezuma him- 
self had acted with hostility and treachery to the 
Spaniards while on the march to the capital, and when 
once the emperor was in his power he compelled 
Montezuma to acknowledge himself a vassal of Spain, 
and to agree to an annual tribute, and at once the 
payment of a sum of money equal to six million three 
hundred thousand dollars. But the governor of Cuba 
was jealous of the fame of Cortez, and he dispatched 
a force to Mexico to arrest his progress and to 
supersede him in command. The man who was to 
supersede Cortez was Pamphilo de Narvaez. His 
command amounted to more than tw^elve hundred 
w^el 1 armed and strictly disciplined soldiers. Cortez 
was vigilant and had received information from Vera 
Cruz of the intended invasion. He was desperate, 
and determined to hold his own or perish, so he 
divided his little command. Leaving half of them 
in the city, he quietly and swiftly withdrew ; and by 
a forced march to the sea coast he proposed to en- 
counter De Narvaez. He was successful, for while 
De Narvaez and his men were asleep in their camp on 
the night of May 26th, 1520, he burst upon them with 
the fury of a cyclone, and before they kne^v what they 
were about he compelled a surrender and induced the 
conquered army to march under his standard to the 
capital. Already the city was in a tumult and 
Alvarado, whom Cortez had left in charge, was 
besieged. Cortez marched to their assistance and at- 



74 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

tempted by diplomacy to settle affairs, ■ "but all too 
late, the war was on," blood flowed in the streets. 
Cortez, without shame, took poor broken-hearted 
Montezuma to the top of the palace and made him 
counsel the besiegers for peace ^vith the Spaniards. 
But the wretched king received a volley of javelins from 
his ow^n desperate subjects. 

A few days later he died of his injuries, and his 
warriors in sorrow and remorse desisted for 
a time. But Cortez felt that his safety lay 
in vacating the city. At length a great battle 
terminated in the capture by the Spaniards of the 
banner of Mexico. This disheartened the Mexicans 
and they ignominiously fled. 

Again in 1520 Cortez led his army to the capital 
and besieged it until August, when the city raised the 
siege and Mexico became a Spanish province. Among 
the illustrious Spaniards are the names of Ferdinand 
Magellan, a Portuguese by birth, but sailing under 
command of the king of Spain ; De Ayllon, Ferdinand 
de Soto. Pedro Melendez, an exceedingly blood- 
thirsty man, destroyed the colony of French 
Huguenots near the mouth of the St. Johns river. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

EARY COLONIES AMONG THE FRENCH. 

IN the year of 1506 a map of the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence was made by a Frenchman whose name 
is not given. Two years previouslyta band of 
fishermen from Brittany and Normandy were located 
there, and in 1508 some Indians were taken to 
France. In 15 18 Francis I began to take an 
interest in the new world. Five years later 
a voyage of discovery was planned. John Verrazzani 
of Florence was commissioned to conduct the expedi- 
tion, the object being to discover a north-west passage 
to the East Indies. The ship was named the Dolphin. 
When out fifty days she neared the main land not far 
from Wilmington. The Indians were kind^ and 
friendly Then they coasted up New Jersey and 
entered the harbor of New York. At Newport they 
anchored and bartered with the natives. Here they 
kidnapped a child and attempted to steal a girl. 
From Newport the Dolphin sailed northward, explor- 
ing the coast as far as Newfoundland. The name of 
New France was given to the country. 

Later came to America James Cartier, who named 
a town situated at the foot of a high hill on an island 
Mont-Real. Francis La Roque came next. In May, 
1 541, Cartier again returned to this country with five 
ships. John Ribault of Dieppe came with a band of 
Huguenots, who were destroyed by the wicked 



76 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Spaniard Melendez. Two years later another colony 
commanded by Laudorniere came, but they were bad 
people and practiced piracy. Then the story of the 
cruel murder§ of the Huguenots by Melendez reached 
the mother land, and Dominic de Gourges of Gascony 
came upon the Spaniards with righteous fury. He 
destroyed the three Spanish forts on St. Johns and 
imprisoned the inmates. Unable to hold his position, 
he hung the leaders and above them he put this legend, 
'"'•Not Spaniards^ hut Murderers^'' 

In 1598 Marquis of La Roche was commissioned to 
form a colony, and again the prisons of France were 
opened to send to the beautiful ne\v world the refuse 
of the old — even as at this date, when dangerous 
criminals have their passages paid, when poor-houses 
and asylums of the old world fill the steerage with 
the poor wretches to whorn they begrudge the means 
of life, so they send the children of misery to this 
blessed home of the free. 

In 1603 De.Monts was granted the sovereignty of 
the country from the latitude of Philadelphia to one 
degree north of Montreal. The settlement was finally 
made at Port Royal. The fort was constructed and 
the country was called Acadia and Longfellow's ex- 
quisite poem of "Evangeline" fully describes the piti- 
ful driving from their homes of these settlers. 

In 1603 Samuel Champlain established a trading 
post on the St. Lawrence at the present site of Qiiebec. 
Twice did Champlain bring additions to this colonv. 
He became governor of New France. To him more 
than any other man the success of the French colonies 
was due. 



CHAPTER IX. 

EARLY ENGLISH COLONIES. 

MARCH 5th, 1496, Henry Vn of England granted 
a patent to "John Cabote, citizen of Venice ; 
to Lewes, Sebastian, and Santinus, sonnes of 
the said John." It empowered them to seek out, subdue 
and occupy, at their own charges, any regions which be- 
fore had "been unknown to all Christians." They were 
authorized to "set up the royal banner, and possess the 
territories discovered by them as the king's vassals." 
Bristol was the only port to which they were per- 
mitted to return, and a fifth part of the gains of the 
voyage was reserved for the crown. The discoverers 
were vested with "exclusive privileges of resort and 
traffic. History speaks no more of the "sonnes" 
Lewes and Santinus, but John and Sebastian sailed 
from Bristol in the Mathew. The most precise ac- 
count of the discovery is from a map drawn by 
Sebastian Cabot and engraved in 1=549 ^Y Clement 
Adams, which is known to have been hung in Qiieen 
Elizabeth's gallery at Whitehall. The notice runs in 
this way: "In the year of our Lord 1497 John Cabot, 
a Venetian, and his son Sebastian, discovered that 
country which no one before this time had ventured to 
approach, on the 24th of June, about five o'clock in 
the morning. He called the land terra primum visa, 
because, as I conjecture, this was the place that first 
met his eye in looking from the sea. On the contrary, the 



^8 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

island which lies opposite the land he called the island 
of St. John, as I suppose because it was discovered on 
the festival of St. John the Baptist." 

In Sebastian Cabot's map of 1544, the original of 
which is in the geographical cabinet, the island of St. 
John corresponds with that of Prince Edward. The 
authenticity of the map being accepted, the "first land 
seen" must have been Nova Scotia or the island of 
Cape Breton. 

A second patent was issued to John Cabot Febru- 
ary 3d, 1498, which authorized him to "take six ships 
(of not more than two hundred tons burthen) and 
therein convey and lede to the lande and isles found 
by the said John in oure name and by oure command- 
ment." 

But John Cabot had departed this life before the 
expedition was ready to sail, and so Sebastian sailed 
from Bristol in May with five vessels. He was de- 
termined this time to find a passage to India. Like 
Columbus, he thought the new world a part of the 
Grand Khan's dominions, but though it was July when 
they reached the most northerly limit they could, the 
suflferings from cold were so severe that most of the 
three hundred colonists died from exposure. We 
hear no more from Cabot until we find him in Spain 
in 15 18, when he was appointed by that government 
"pilot major." He made many voyages and finally 
died in London in 1557. He was not far from eighty 
years of age. His character is highly extolled by 
contemporaries, and was distinguished by lofty cour- 
age and great perserverance. Few lives exhibit such 
incessant activity. 



EARLY COLONIES AMOIMG THE SPANISH. 79 

The career of English discovery was checked dur- 
ing the greater part of the sixteenth century, but with 
the accession of Queen Elizabeth a new impulse was 
given to voyage and adventure. Martin Frobisher, 
aided by the Earl of Warwick, had three small vessels 
fitted out to search for the north-west passage to Asia. 
One was lost on the voyage, another returned to Eng- 
land, and the third sailed to a higher latitude than 
ever before attained. The group of islands in the 
mouth of Hudson's strait was discovered. The larger 
island lying northward was discovered and a stone 
said to contain gold was found. This he took with 
him, as well as an Esquimau. After this two fleets 
came to the country in search of the precious metal. 
They are said to have carried away whole tons of dirt^ 
probably mica. 

Among other English navigators were Sir Francis 
Drake, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Philip Amidas and 
Arthur Barlow. The two latter, each in command of a 
ship, reached Carolina in July, 1584. The shores of 
Albermarle and Pamlico sound were explored, and they 
landed on Roanoke island, where the English were 
kindly entertained by the Indian queen. The navigat- 
ors were charmed with the beauty of the land. The 
waters of the sea were clear and glossy, the forests 
abounded in flowers, yet neither of the commanders 
had the courage to found a colony, and after two 
months they returned to England, and the que.en, 
Elizabeth, called her new country Virginia. 

In December, 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh's patent 
was confirmed by parliament (in the spring of 1584 a 
patent had been granted him as liberal as that of Sir 



80 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Humphrey Gilbert). A great deal of zeal was now 
manifested. Sir Richard Grenville commanded the 
fleet, and a company composed in part of young nobles 
made up the crew. The seven vessels composing the 
fleet reached America on the 20th of June. They 
were in great danger of being wrecked at Cape Fear. 
Six days later they reached Roanoke in safety. 

Ralph Lane was made governor of the colony of a 
hundred and ten, and Grenville returned to England, 
taking with him a Spanish treasure ship which he had 
capiured. , But peace came not to the colonists. Win- 
gina, the Indian king, and several of his chiefs were 
allured into the English settlement and killed. There 
was danger for the colonists everywhere thereafter, 
and so when Sir Francis came in sight with a fleet the 
colonists begged him to take them back to England. A 
few days later a ship load of provisions arrived from 
Sir Walter Raleigh, but finding no trace of the colon- 
ists returned to England. A little later came Sir 
Richard Grenville to Roanoke. He had three well- 
laden ships with him. He searched thoroughly for 
the colonists, who had been so eager to depart that 
they had taken no pains to leave on a blazed tree in 
the deserted settlement words written in charcoal, 
which would have at once removed all uneasiness from 
the minds of those who came after them. To keep 
possession of the country, fifteen of Sir Richard Gren- 
ville's men remained. The fleet returned to England 
and another colony was quickly made up. It was 
decided to call the new settlement " City of Raleigh." 

The colonists arrived in Carolina the following 
Tuly. But the fifteen men left at Roanoke island had 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 8l 

been murdered by the Indians. Not daunted by this, 
the northern extremity of the island was again chosen 
for the site of the city, and the foundations laid. But 
the Indians remembered the treachery of the whites 
despite the honor Sir Walter conferred on the chief 
Manteo, creating him "lord of Roanoke." 

John White was governor of this colony. But as 
the settlers did not sow there was nothing for them 
to reap. Starvation was before them. The "lord of 
Roanoke" still hunted and fished and gave no heed to 
the "citizens of Raleigh," and as the winter was 
approaching, and they had neglected to build houses, 
as well as to plant corn, Governor White was com- 
pelled to return to England for supplies. 

This year, 1585, Virginia Dare was born, the first 
white child of English parentage. White left one 
hundred and eight citizens in Raleigh, but what be- 
came of them no man knows. The ships he sent to 
them loaded with provisions went cruising after a 
Spanish merchantman and were captured themselves 
by a man of war. Five years later Governor White 
returned to the city of Raleigh. The island had be- 
come a desert. There was nothing left to tell the 
story. 

Sir Walter Raleigh had now spent about two hundred 
thousand dollars in attempting to found a colony. He 
assigned his rights to an association of London mer- 
chants. After this very little in the way of English 
discoveries took place until 1602, when Bartholomew 
Gosnold reached the coast of Maine. He was seven 
weeks making the journey. His vessel, but a small 
one, was named the Concord. He explored the coast 



82 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

from Cape Elizabeth to Cape cod. He went ashore 
and took four men with him. This was the first land- 
ing of Englishmen in New England. On the most 
westerly of the Elizabeth islands, the first New Eng- 
land settlement was made. But after a traffic with 
the Indians, resulting in the ship being laden with 
sassafras root, the settlers begged to be allowed to 
return in the ship. Gosnold did not refuse them, and 
five weeks later the Concord was again anchored in 
the Thames. 

Gosnold was delighted with the country, and April, 
1603, two vessels sailed for America. They came 
safely to Penobscot bay, and also explored other har- 
bors in Maine. They were named the Speedwell and 
the Discoverer. Martin Pring was commander. 
After his explorations he returned to the sassafras 
regions and loaded his vessels at Martha's Vineyard 
and returned to Bristol, having been away six months. 

In 1605 George Weymouth commanded an expedi- 
tion to America. He came to the coast of Maine, 
anchoring among the islands of St. George. He ex- 
plored the harbor and opened a trade with the Indians, 
some of them returning to England with him. He 
left England in April and returned in June. 

On the loth of April, 1606, King James I of Eng- 
land issued two patents to men of his kingdom, 
authorizing them to colonize all that portion of North 
America lying between the thirty-fourth and forty- 
fifth parallels of latitude. This immense tract ex- 
tended from the mouth of Cape Fear river to Passa- 
maquoddy bay and westward to the Pacific Ocean. 
The first of these patents was granted to an associa- 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 83 

tion of nobles, gentlemen and merchants, called the 
London Company, while the second was issued to a 
similar body organized at Plymouth, and bearing the 
name of the Plymouth Company. To the London 
' Company was given the region between the thirty- 
fourth and thirty-eighth degrees of latitude and to the 
Plymouth the tract between the thirty-eighth and 
forty-first parallels. The belt of three degrees between 
the thirty-eighth and forty-first parallel was to be 
open to colonies of either company, but no settlement 
of one party was to be made within less than a hun- 
dred miles of the nearest settlement of the other. 
The Plymouth Company was not successful. 

Bartholomew Gosnold, of whom we have read, was 
the leading man in the London Company. His 
associates were Richard Hunt, a clergyman ; Edward 
Wingfield, a rich merchant ; John Smith, an adven- 
turer ; Sir John Popham, chief justice of England ; 
Richard Hakluyt, a historian, and Sir Ferdinand 
Gorges, a nobleman. The affairs of the company 
were to be administered by a superior council resid- 
ing in England, and an inferior council living in the 
colony. No principles of self-government were 
allowed. A provision in the patent required the 
colony to hold all property in common for five years. 
The charter also allow^ed the emigrants to retain in 
the new world all the rights of Englishmen. 

The first ship of the Plymouth Company sailed in 
early August, 1606. Later another ship was sent 
out, which remained until spring. The reports 
brought back by this ship were so encouraging that 
in the summer following (1607) the company cent 



84 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

out a colony of another hundred persons. The mouth 
of the river Kennebec, in Maine, was selected for the 
settlement. A block house was constructed and 
several cabins built. The ships then returned to 
England, leaving a colony of forty-five persons. The 
winter of 1607-S was very severe. Some of the poor 
people were frozen, and some starved (the store house 
and its contents had been destroyed by fire). When 
the ships came again in the summer the remnant of 
the colony returned to England. 

The London Company had better fortune. Three 
vessels were fitted out and Christopher Newport w^as 
placed in command. They sailed on the 9th of 
December, 1606, with one hundred and five colonists 
on board. Wingfield and Smith, who had been with 
the Plymouth Company, were among the party, 
Newport took the old route by way of the Canary- 
Isles and did not touch the new world until April. 
He had intended landing on the disastrous Roanoke 
island, but fortunately a storm carried the ship north- 
ward into the Chesapeake. Entering the bay, the 
vessels came to the mouth of a beautilul river, which 
they named in honor of King James. They proceeded 
up the river some fifty miles, when the company 
landed on a peninsula of surpassing beauty. And here 
on the 13th of May (old style), 1607, were laid the 
foundations of Jamestown, the oldest English settle- 
fnent in Avierica. 

In the meantime John Smith was not eating the 
bread of idleness. He was an active man, taking a 
great interest in the Virginian settlement. ]\Iaine was 
too cold, but the climate of Virginia w^as mild, and 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 85 

yet not warm enough to be enervating. Smith had 
excellent business qualifications, and he had observed, 
that terrible vs^inter in ^Maine, that the vv^ild creatures 
wore beautiful coats of fur, since nature clothes her 
creatures according to their needs. So in 1609 Smith 
returned to England, where he formed a partnership 
with four wealthy merchants of London to trade in 
furs and establish a colony within the limits of the 
Plymouth grant. Two ships were freighted with 
goods and put under Smith's command. These goods 
were selected to please the Indians, who were in- 
ordinately fond of "gewgaws." Beads, ear-rings, 
bracelets, breast-pins of most glittering brass and set 
with bits of colored glass, were greatly admired by 
warriors as well as squaws. So too were the gaily 
printed chintzes or copper plates, something not very 
different from modern cottons. The ships sailed to 
the Maine coast, where an exceedingly profitable 
traffic was carried on with the Indians, bartering for 
furs the goods with which the ships were laden. In 
November, when the cold was beginning to be felt, 
they sailed back to England. Smith came again to 
America in i6i<,. He brought with him sixteen 
colonists. They encountered a severe storm when nearly 
at their destination and were compelled to put back 
to England. But not yet discouraged. Smith raised 
another company, this time not so judiciously chosen. 
Part of his crew became mutinous and left him in 
mid-ocean. His ship was captured by French pirates, 
and himself imprisoned in the harbor of Rochelle. 
Smith escaped in an open boat and made his way to 
London. He immediately set about publishing a de- 



86 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

scription of the New England and was more energetic 
than ever in inciting the Plymouth Company to 
renewed exertions. The London Company were very 
jealous of the Plymouth and put all the obstacles 
possible in the way. Two years, 1617 and 1618, were 
spent in making plans for a new colonization. 
Finally, on the petition of some of its own leading 
members, the Plymouth Company was superseded by 
a new corporation known as the Council of Plymouth. 
This council was formed of forty of the most wealthy 
and influential men of the kingdom. By the new 
charter almost unlimited power and privileges were 
conferred on the new company. All that part of 
America lying between the fortieth and forty-fifth 
parallels of north latitude and reaching from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific w^as given in fee simple to the 
forty men who composed the council. More than a 
million of square miles were embraced in the grant, 
and absolute jurisdiction over all this tract of country 
was committed to forty men. 

How King James came to sign such a charter has 
always remained a mystery. The plan of colonization 
was on a large scale. John Smith was made Admiral 
of New England for life. The king, in opposition to 
the House of Commons, issued a proclamation enforc- 
ing the provisions of the charter. And there were 
promises of an early settlement in America. "But 
man proposes, God disposes." 

New England was to be the refuge of a people 
desiring to worship Him without pomp or pageantry. 
Politically the Puritans were patriotic to the king of 
their country. Religiously they rebelled against the 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 87 

authority of the English church. Queen Elizabeth 
was more bitter against these people than King James. 
She declared such teaching to be subversive of the 
very principles on which her kingdom was founded. 
The Puritans were persecuted frequently. They were 
few and scattered through the north of England, 
principally in Nottingham, Lincoln and York counties. 
Though they were called rebels, their rebellion ex- 
tended only to the declaration "that every man has a 
right to discover and apply the truth as revealed in 
the scriptures ^vithout the interpositson of any power 
other than his own reason and conscience." The 
little band resolved to leave England and they started 
for Holland, only to be brought back again and thrown 
into prison for a time. When liberated they gathered 
together on a bleak heath in Lincolnshire, and in 
1608 embarked from the mouth of theHumber. They 
landed at Amsterdam, after one year going to Leyden, 
where they remained ten 3^ears. But they were ever 
homesick. The love of their country increased with 
their absence from it. The did not takePkindly to Dutch 
manners or ways. And in the year of 1617 they be- 
gan to think and talk of emigrating to the wilds of 
the New World, where they would be allowed the 
freedom of religious worship and yet could be loyal 
subjects of King James. So they sent John Carver 
and Robert Cushman to England to ask permission 
for the church of Leyden to settle in America. The 
agents of the London Company and also the Council 
of Plymouth gave some encouragement to their re- 
quest, but the king and his ministers, especially Lord 
Bacon, were bitterly opposed to anv project that would 



88 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

appear* to favor these heretics, as they were denom- 
inated. 

The Puritans were strong of heart nevertheless and 
were not to be discouraged. They were determined 
to go to the New World. If they could not get a 
charter they would go without one, and since permis- 
sion had not been granted to them they would go 
without it. They had some resources of their own, 
and a few faithful friends. They bought the Speed- 
well, a little vessel of sixty tons, at Amsterdam, and 
the Mayflower, much larger and more substantial, was 
hired for the voyage. The Speedwell was to carry 
the emigrants from Leyden to Southampton and they 
were to join the Mayflower filled with a company from 
London. John Robinson, the heroic pastor, went with 
the Pilgrims, journeyed with his congregation from Ley- 
den to the harbor of Delft, a distance of fifteen miles, 
to see the embarkation of their brethren. As many as 
could be accommodated went on board the Speedwell. 

The pastor made a touching farewell address, and 
the blessings anld prayers of those on shore followed 
the vessel until it was out of sight. 

Both ships came safely to Southampton. They left 
the harbor on the 5th of August, 1620, but the Speed- 
well was soon found to be unseaworthy. It was old 
and leaky. So both ships came to anchor in Dart- 
mouth, and it required eight days of work before it 
was safe to sail again. Scarcely had they started 
again when the captain of the Speedwell declared his 
vessel unfit to breast the ocean, and then to the sorrow 
and consternation of the passengers put back to Ply- 
mouth. The leaky ship was abandoned. The citizens 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 89 

feasted the poor Pilgrims and as many as could went 
on board the Mayflower, anxious to reach a free land. 
So it was the 6th of September before the shores of 
England faded from their sight. 

The voyage was dreadful. For sixty-three days 
they were beaten and driven. At length the shores 
of Cape Cod came in sight. At this time of year it 
was bleak and desolate, but still it was land. The 
Pilgrims had intended going up the Hudson, for they 
had heard marvelous tales of the beauty of the coun- 
try. On the 9th of November the vessel anchored in 
the bay, and a meeting was held on board and the 
colony organized under a solemn compact. They 
made a charter for themselves and declared their 
loyalty to the English crown, and covenanted together 
to live in peace and harmony, ivith equal rights to all, 
obedient to just laws made for the common good. Is 
it not a sublime constitution, and with all its simplic- 
ity does it not embody everything necessary "? Is it 
not like that simplest of creeds, " Love the Lord thy 
God with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as thyself .f' " 
All the heads of families signed this charter. They 
numbered forty-one. Then an election took place, 
and John Carver was elected governor by a unani- 
mous vote. They began to get themselves in readi- 
ness to go on shore, and two days later the boat was 
lowered, but was so rotten as to be useless. More 
than two weeks, of such precious time (as only those 
who know what New England weather is in Novem- 
ber without shelter can tell) was taken up in repair- 
ing the boat. Some way Standish Bradford and a few 
other hardy men got to the shore. They found a heap 



90 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of Indian corn buried under the snow. The 6th of 
December the boat was thought seaworthy and the 
governor and fifteen others went on shore. It was 
sleeting and bitterly cold, so that their clothing was 
soon like coats of mail. They wandered about all 
day and then returned to the shore, where they en- 
camped. But the Indians attacked them next morn- 
ing, so they fled to the ship unhurt, deeply thankful. 

The vessel was steered to the west and south-west 
for some forty-five miles, around the coast of what is 
now Barnstable county. On Saturday night an ugly 
storm came on. The rudder was torn away and the 
ship driven by the wind and guided by the pilot into 
a safe haven on the west side of the bay. On the 
next day (Sunday) religious services were held, and 
on Monday, the nth of December (old style), the 
Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock. 

It was now mid-winter and the storms of snow and 
sleet were unremitting. Many of the Pilgrims became 
so enfeebled by their long journey and the penetrating 
cold that they perished, but the sturdy ones kept on 
exploring and finally concluded to select a site near 
the first landing. The snow was clearisd away, sorrie 
trees felled, and on the 9th of January these heroic 
people began to build New Plymouth. Every man 
set to vs^ork to build and fashion his own house. But 
illness came upon them. In almost every family there 
were cases of consumption or lung fever. At one 
time there were only seven men able to work on the 
sheds which they w^ere building to protect the work- 
men from the storm w^hile getting the wood in shape 
for building the houses. When the days were clear 



EARLY COLONIES AMONG THE SPANISH. 9I 

the cold was so intense that fingers, ears and even 
noses were frozen before their owners were aware of 
it ; and woe to the unlucky creature who put his hand 
upon his axe or augur or saw. Had it not been for 
the early spring which brought relief from many ills, 
the colony must have perished. 



CHAPTER X. 

VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENTS OF THE DUTCH. 

WE have already read of Sir Henry Hudson's 
voyages. The Dutch colonies resulted from 
this illustrious man. In 1607 he had been 
employed by a company of London merchants to sail 
into the North Atlantic and discover a route eastward 
or westward to the East Indies. He had but one ship. 
With it he passed up the eastern coast ot Greenland to a 
higher point of latitude than had been attained pre- 
viously ; he turned eastward to Spitzbergen, circum- 
navigated the island, and met so many icebergs that 
he was forced to return to England. The next year 
he again ventured, hoping this time to find a way 
between Spitzbergen and Nova Zembla to the east, 
so as to shorten the route to China by about eight 
thousand miles. Alas, how many souls have suffered 
and perished in the same attempt. 

With the failure of this voyage Sir Henry Hudson 
grew more determined than ever ; but his employers 
were plunged in despair. They were cautious people 
and did not like to take risks even when there was so 
much to gain. So he went over to Amsterdam. At 
this time Holland was the foremost of maritime 
nations, and so eminent a man did not have to beg for 
patronage in the busy marts of that country. 

The Dutch East India Company gave him a yacht 
called the Half-Moon. It was about the middle of 



VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENTS OF THE DUTCH. 93 

April, 1609, when he set out for his third voyage to 
the East Indies. Near the seventy-seventh parallel of 
latitude, above the capes of Norway, he turned east- 
ward between Lapland and Nova Zembla. The 
ocean was filled with icebergs, so he could sail no 
further. He turned his face towards the shores of 
America ; he thought that surely between the Chesa- 
peake and the North Pole there must be a passage to 
the Pacific Ocean. 

In July they reached Newfoundland, and then sail- 
ing down to the coast of Maine they stopped to do some 
needed repairing to the ship, which had been battered 
in a storm till it was no longer seaworthy. When the re- 
pairs were made he sailed southward, touching at Cape 
Cod. About the middle of August he reached the Chesa- 
peake. Some way he inust have missed the passage, 
he thought, so again he turned the prow to the north 
and carefully explored the coast. He anchored in Dela- 
ware bay on the 28th of August. For a single day he 
explored and then he sailed on, and on September 3d 
came to anchor in the bay of Sandy Hook. Two days 
later he landed and the Indians came to welcome him, 
bringing fruits and corn and oysters. Until the 9th 
he explored the great harbor. The loth he sailed 
through the narrows and up the beautiful river which 
bears his name. The forests on either side were 
magnificent. The pallisades were like nothing in the 
old world. The grand mountains and the hills and 
valleys were planted here and there with corn, now 
ripening. It was like an exquisite dream. The skies 
were of the most tender blue, the voices of songsters 
filled the air. It w^as indeed a new world to the 



94 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Netherlanders. September 19th the vessel was moored 
at the place now known to us as Kinderhook ; but an 
exploring party quickly set out in small boats and 
rowed up to the site of the present city of Albany. 
They remained at Kinderhook several days and then, 
loosing the moorings, floated down the stream, and on 
the 4th of October sailed for Holland. 

Hudson on the homeward voyage put into the har- 
bor of Dartmouth. Thereupon the noble King James 
with his characteristic selfishness detained the vessel 
and claimed the crew for Englishmen. Hudson for- 
warded to his employers of the East India Company 
an account of his successful voyage, which had been 
made under the flag of Holland. 

But now the English merchants w^ere quite ready to 
spend more money on the north-west passage. So in 
the summer following (1610) a ship called the Dis- 
covery was put under Hudson's control, and he sailed 
away never to return. He was quite satisfied by this 
time that there was no passage between Florida and 
Maine to the East Indies, so he turned his face north- 
ward again and looked for a passage between the 
gulf of St. Lawrence and the northern part of Green- 
land. He took the same track that Frobisher had, 
steering between capes Farewell and Labrador, and 
on the 3d of August the vessel came to the strait 
which bears his name. No ship had ever entered 
these waters unless some Norse sea kings had traveled 
that way. Westward a group of islands opposed 
their way ; but passing them the bay opened, the 
ocean w^as before them, and they thought the road to 
Cathay was at last found. But sailing to the west- 



VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENTS OF THE DUTCH. 95 

Avard the shores narrowed and they faced a sea of ice. 
They were forced to remain, and when their stores 
were nearly exhausted the w^ay opened for their re- 
treat. But mutiny was among the crew. Only seven 
remained true to the commander. These seven, with 
Sir Henry Hudson and his son, were thrown over- 
board into an open shallop, and no man knows what 
became of them. 

In the summer of 1610 the Half -Moon was liberated 
at Dartmouth and returned to Amsterdam. The same 
year several ships were fitted out by Dutch merchants 
and, sailing up the Hudson river, they traded with the 
natives for furs. The traffic was exceedingly profit- 
able and they made many voyages. In the year 16 14, 
about the second month, an act was passed by the 
States General of Holland giving to certain merchants 
of Amsterdam the exclusive right to trade and estab- 
lish settlements within the limits of the country ex- 
plored by Hudson. Five small vessels under this 
commission were fitted out and arrived at Manhattan 
island (now the City of New York) in the summer. 
Former traders had left some rude huts, but a fort 
w^as needed and immediately erected and called New 
Amsterdam. Adrian Block, who commanded one of 
the ships, sailed through East river into Long Island 
sound and made explorations along the coast as far as 
the mouth of the Connecticut, then to Narraganset 
bay and Cape Cod. About the same time Christian- 
son, another Dutch commander, sailed up the river 
nearly to the site of Albany and erected a block house 
w^hich he named Fort Nassau. This was for a long time 
the most northerly outpost of the Hudson river settlers. 



96 FOmi HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

In the meantime Cornelius May, who commanded a 
little ship named the Fortune, left New Amsterdam 
and explored the Jersey coast to the bay of Delaware. 
And now Holland set up a claim to all the country 
so explored and called the country the New Nether- 
lands, which extended from Cape Henlopen to Cape 
Cod. France and England treated this claim with 
contempt. 



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CHAPTER XL 

THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. 

THE failure of the first colonies was the over- 
powering numbers of ge7itlemen. Hewers of 
wood and stone, tillers of the soil and artisans 
generally were too plebeian folk to associate with the 
gentry, as they would have to in the small vessels. 
Of all who came to Virginia in 1607 there were but 
twelve laborers — four carpenters and eight black- 
smiths and masons. King James had been wary and 
sent out sealed instructions, so that the names of the 
governor and council were unknown during the 
voyage. 

There were some who suspected the able captain, 
John Smith, whose honor was impeachable, of a plot 
to murder the council and create himself king of 
Virginia. So these wise heads arrested the noble 
man and kept him confined during the voyage. When 
the colonists reached the land and the instructions 
were opened the sealed 'papers gave the names of the 
inferior council only, so they had a meeting and the 
choice of governor fell upon Edward Wingfield. And 
now that theVe was no proof of anything wrong or 
underhand the wise people let Captain Smith go 
aboard once more a free man. The settlement was 
well under way when Smith and Newport, with 
twenty others, explored the James river for some forty- 
five miles. They found the capital of the Indian king 



98 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Powhatan near the site of the present city of Rich- 
mond. The capital was an unpretentious one — a 
village of twelve wigwams. The king received his 
visitors with courtesy and seemed not at all to feel 
their coming and intrusion. The company now re- 
turned to Jamestown and on the 15th of June New- 
port sailed for England. 

Now the colonists began to realize their lonely con- 
dition. It is true the land was beautiful and the air 
still pleasant, but colder days were coming, and then 
illness came upon so many of them that once but five 
men were able to go on duty as sentinels. Gosnold 
died, and before severe frosts came half of the colonists 
had passed beyond earthly suffering. But the frost 
checked the disease. But as "evils come not singly" 
civil dissension was added to their other ills. Em- 
bezzling then, as now, was occasionally indulged in 
by men in high places, and President Wingfield and 
George Kendall were actually detected in embezzling 
the stores of the colonists and were removed from 
office. Ratcliffe was chosen to fill the governor's 
chair, but was incompetent. The council had now 
dwindled down to Martin and Smith. By common 
consent Smith was elected governor of this handful 
of colonists. He was by birth an Englishman. He 
had been a great traveler. He was an exceedingly 
well-informed man and one of undaunted courage. 
Doubtless, had he been elected governor at first, the 
fate of many colonists would have been changed. He 
had scarcely assumed the reins of government till the 
settlement began to improve. He first improved the 
habitations on the plantation, then he took measures 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. 99 

to secure a supply of food, for the winter was almost 
upon them. The Indians had been very successful 
with their harvest, but they did not care to dispose of 
their corn to these invaders, so Governor Smith with 
five companions took a boat and, sailing down the 
James river to Hampton Roads, they landed and 
offered the natives hatchets and copper coins in ex- 
change for corn. The Indians laughed them to scorn 
and in return offered a bit of bread for Smith's sword 
and musket. The English then charged on their 
wigwams and found abundance of corn. A parley 
followed, and the Indians purchased peace by loading 
the English boats with corn, which was then rowed 
up the river to Jamestown. 

It was not long until the Indians began to come to 
the fort with voluntary contributions and the colonists 
no longer feared famine. The woods were filled wnth 
wild turkeys, and such good discipline was maintained 
in the colony that very friendly relations were estab- 
lished with the Indians. So the colonists from the 
gloom of despair grew cheerful and contented. 

When the people were in this comfortable state and 
the winter had set in Governor Smith and six Eng- 
lishmen, with tv/o Indian guides, commenced explor- 
ing the country on the Chickahom'iny. The people 
of Jamestown had conceived the idea that by follow^ 
ing up this river they could reach the Pacific Ocean. 
Smith humored them (knowing better himself), but it 
gave him the opportunity of exploring the territory. 
Those of the colonists who desired to search for gold 
or for the Pacific were welcome. For his part he 
would see the country and make maps. Smith and 



lOO FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

his companions ascended the river until it became a 
mere creek, crooked as the roots of sassafras and wind- 
ing about the meadow and through the woods. The 
party was attacked by Indians, and some of the Eng- 
lish killed. Three escaped to the boat, but George 
Cassen was taken prisoner. Smith was safely hidden, 
but the savages tortured the wretched Cassen till be 
revealed his hiding-place. Smith was discovered, 
wounded with an arrow and chased through the thick 
forest. The arrows fell around him like hail. With 
him were the two Indian guides. He compelled them 
to stand between him and the pursuers and every time 
he fired his musket he brought down a man. He 
fought like a lion at bay, tied one of the guides to his 
left arm for a buckler and ran and fired by turns. At 
length he stumbled into a morass. Unable to extricate 
himself, he laid down his musket and made signs of 
surrender. Still the Indians were wary of him, but 
they finally came to his assistance and pulled him out 
of the mire. Smith demanded to be taken to the chief, 
and on being brought before him he exhibited no fear 
whatever, but showed the chief two great curiosities, 
a watch and a pocket compass. These mysterious 
instruments awed the savages, and Smith took imme- 
diate advantage of the fact and commenced to draw 
figures on the ground, and give his captors some easy 
lessons in geography and astronomy. At first the 
savages were astonished, but they became tired, and 
binding their captive to a tree prepared to shoot him. 
But again he took his compass, and flourishing it in the 
air (as though performing a ceremony) the Indians 
were afraid to shoot. His wisdom and courage 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. lOI 

gained reprieve, but before him was the more to be 
dreaded torture. The superstition of the savages was 
now thoroughly aroused, and they feared to deal with 
him except in the most formal manner. They were 
afraid to touch him lest they touch a deity. They 
took him first to the town of Orapax, a few miles 
north-east trom what is now Richmond. He was 
invited to join them and become their leader, but he 
refused, and then terrified them by describing the 
cannon and other weapons of destruction possessed by 
his countrymen. He managed to write a letter to his 
friends at the settlement, telling them of his position 
and warning them of their danger, asking for needed 
articles, and bidding his friends thoroughly frighten 
the messengers before their return. This letter 
seemed to impress the Indians with more awe than 
anything they had yet seen, for they could not under- 
stand how a few marks could convey meaning. And 
when the messengers arrived at Jamestown and found 
everything as he had described it to them their terror 
and amazement knew no bounds, and as soon as they 
returned to Orapax all thought of attacking the settle- 
ment was abandoned. The Indians now marched 
from one town to another with Captain Smith, ex- 
hibiting him (which gave him an exalted idea of the 
country and the number of Indians). At length they 
came to Pamunkey, the capital of Opechancanough. 
Here they gave Smith into the charge of the piiests, 
who w^ere assembled in the Judgment Hall or Long 
House. For three days they danced around him, sing- 
ing and yelling like demons. The object was to de- 
termine his fate, the decree that he should die. 



I03 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Now, the priests did not possess the entire power. 
The emperor must sanction their decree before it 
could be carried out. Powhatan lived some twenty- 
five miles further down the river in winter, and to 
him they now^ brought Smith. Powhatan was now 
sixty years of age, of commanding aspect and nobility 
of mien. He received the prisoner with great dignity. 
"Going to the Long House clad in a robe of raccoon 
skins, he took his seat on a sort of rude throne pre- 
pared for the occasion." His two daughters were on 
either hand and warriors and women of rank even 
filed about the hall. The king reviewed the case and 
coincided with the decision of the priests. Then by a 
sign two great stones were brought into the hall, and 
Smith, bound and helpless, was carried and laid so 
that his head rested in position on one while a strong 
warrior with his war club stood ready to dispatch him. 
The signal had been given, the war club was raised 
high. Matoaka, the king's eldest daughter, sprang 
forward and stood over the victim, then stooping 
clasped his head in her arms. Eagerly and with great 
emotion she besought her father for the captive's life. 
Powhatan listened and could not say her nay. He 
ordered Smith to be unbound and lifted up. And 
since he had spared his captive's life he received him 
into favor. At first he was required to make hatchets 
for the warriors and trifles for the king's daughters. 
As they found him trustworthy they gave him greater 
freedom, and at length agreed to send him to his peo- 
ple at Jamestown ; but he must furnish two cannons 
and a grindstone to Orapax. Warriors were to be 
sent with Smith to bring back the articles. Then 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. IO3 

would there be peace between the English and the 
red men. So they set out — twelve warriors and one 
white man. The company camped out over night in 
the woods. Smith had little confidence in the integ- 
rity of his companions, but they came in safety to the 
colony and met with a kindly reception. During 
Smith's confinement among the Indians he made him- 
self familiar with their peculiarities and superstitious 
weaknesses, as well as their language. He under 
pretext of showing the warriors how to use the 
cannon ordered them well charged with powder and 
filled with stones and had them directed high against 
the trees that were covered with long icicles. The 
crash was deafening and well nigh frightened the 
savages to death. They could not be induced to so 
much as touch one of the cannons, or even the grind- 
stone, and they returned to their monarch bearing 
tales only. 

There were but thirty-eight settlers alive at this 
time and these were half-starved and suffering 
from frost bites and chill-blains. For seven weeks the 
only competent man among them had been absent — 
seven weeks in mid-winter, and at that one of the most 
severe cold known in modern times. Again they 
were discontented, and when Smith returned they 
were making ready to embark on the pinnace as soon 
as the ice should break in the river. 

But Providence had not forgotten them. Captain 
Newport arrived from England. He brought quanti- 
ties of needful supplies and one hundred and twenty 
emigrants. There was joy and thanksgiving. But 
the governor, well skilled in reading human nature, 



I04 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

knew that the coming of these people would-be of no 
benefit to the colony. Their occupations were as 
follows : thirty-four gentlemejz, some gold hunters, 
jewelers, engravers, adventurers, strollers and vaga- 
bonds. 

Before Newport left, Smith had advised and 
counseled him to bring but few people, and those in- 
dustrious mechanics and laborers ; but the London 
Company were avaricious, and the prospect of an im- 
mediate golden harvest prompted them to bring those 
who desired to come. 

The wise counsels of Smith, to plant grain and 
vegetables and prepare houses that would protect 
them from the rigors of another winter, were jeered at, 
and few of the old settlers had received instructions 
by experience, severe though it had been. As soon as 
the weather would permit they commenced strolling 
about hunting for gold. At the mouth of a small 
river tributary to the James some shining particles 
were found in a sand bank, and as there were no 
assayers in the colony a gold mine was supposed to 
have been discovered and the colony was literally 
crazed with joy. ^ Martin and Newport, both members 
of the council, shared the common belief. Martin 
built castles in the air to such an extent that he 
fancied himself laden with riches and honored with a 
peerage, while Newport, having filled one his of vessels 
with the supposed gold dust, sent it to England and 
himself sailed up the James river expecting to arrive 
speedily at the Pacific Ocean. There was no plough- 
ing or sowing, and fourteen weeks of glorious spring 
weather passed. The Indians even were laughing at 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. IO5 

the folly of the white men loading the vessel with 
fool's gold. 

In the pursuit of gold Sinith was forgotten. Very 
quietly he organized an exploring party and set out. 
Dr. Russell and thirteen others accompanied him. On 
the 2d of June the little band set sail. The vessel 
was an open barge of three tons burthen, but in this he 
steered out by the way of Hampton Roads and Cape 
Henry as far as Smith's island, returning around the 
peninsula which ends in Cape Charles. They began 
the survey of the eastern shore of the beautiful bay 
and continued northward as far as the river Wicomico 
in Maryland. They now crosed the river to the mouth 
of the Patuxent, and from there coasted northward 
along the western side to the Patapsco. Some of the 
members of the party became dissatisfied and desired 
to return to Jamestown. Smith gave a reluctant con- 
sent, but soon the beauties of the Potomac opened be- 
fore them and they were very willing to go on. They 
went up as far as the falls above Georgetown, and 
then dropped down the river to the bay, and turning 
south landed at Jamestown the 3ist of July. After a 
rest of three days a second voyage was begun. This 
time he went to the head of the bay and sailed up the 
picturesque Susquehanna. He found the Indians of 
this region to be of gigantic stature and fierce and 
warlike in disposition. On the return voyage Smith 
explored every sound and inlet vvorthy of note as far 
as the Rappahannoc. This stream he ascended to the 
head of navigation, and then returned to Jamestown. 
He had been away a little more than three months, 
and had explored the coast of the great bay fully 



I06 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

three thousand miles. He had been driven about by 
storms, wrecked, stung by a poisonous fish and come 
so near to death that his grave had been prepared 
and now he brought to Jamestown a map of the 
Chesapeake bay, which he sent to England by New- 
port and which is still preserved. Again Smith was 
elected to govern the colony and as before there came 
a marked improvement with his administration. 
There was an end of gold hunting and the later 
months of the year v^ere full of prosperity. In the 
fall Newport arrived bringing seventy new emi- 
grants. The general health ^vas now excellent, only 
seven deaths occurring between September and May. 
Every man was obliged to work six hours per day. 
New houses were built, new fields fenced in. All 
winter long the cheerful ring of hammer and axe were 
heard. 

The 23rd of May, 1609, was an occasion on which 
King James granted a new charter to the London 
Company, by which the government was completely 
changed. 

The territory was again extended, this time from 
Cape Fear to Sandy Hook and west to the Pacific 
Ocean. The members of the Superior Council were 
now to be chosen by the stockholders of the company, 
vacancies were to be filled by the councilors, who 
were also empowered to efect a governor. 

The new council immediately organized. Lord 
Delaware was elected governor for life. In authority 
with him were joined Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George 
Somers, Christopher Newport, Sir Thomas Dale and 
Sir Ferdinand Wainman. Five hundred emigrants 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. IO7 

were very soon ready and in June a fleet of nine ves- 
sels spread sails for America. Lord Delaware did 
not accompany the expedition, but delegated his 
authority to Somers, Gates and Newport. In July, 
Avhen the vessels were passing the West Indies, there 
Was a storm such as are common in that region. The 
fleet was scattered ; one vessel wrecked and the one 
having on board the commisioners of Lord Delaware 
was driven ashore on one of the Bermudas ; the re- 
maining seven came safely to Jamestown. 

Under the old constitution Captain Smith still con- 
tinued in authority. But there was great strife in the 
colony. The governor was daily in danger of his life. 
Some of the most noisy and rebellious subjects he put 
in prison, and then tried to distract the attention of 
others by planning two new settlements, one of a 
hundred and twenty men at Nansemond, the other of 
a hundred and twenty men at the falls of the James. 
But both companies behaved badly and soon there 
^vas trouble with the Indians. While attempting to 
restore peace, Smith was wounded by the explosion 
of a bag of gunpowder, and as there were no surgeons 
in the colony he was forced to return to England for 
surgical treatment. He delegated his authority to Sir 
George Percy and sailed for England September i6th, 
1609, nevermore to be identified with Jamestown, 
Virginia. Very soon after Smith's departure the 
colony was again brought face to face with starvation. 
The Indians were hostile, murdering stragglers with- 
out the camp. Houses were set on fire ; disease came 
upon them with the fury which swept them away the 
winter previously. This year was long known as the 



Io8 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

starving time. By the last of March only sixty of the 
four hundred and ninety colonists who were alive, 
well and in comfort when Smith left them, remained. 

Sir Thomas Gates and his companions who had 
been shipwrecked in the Bermudas built two small 
vessels and set sail for Virginia. They looked for- 
ward to a grand welcome from the five hundred 
colonists. But instead of firings of cannon and shouts 
of joy, some poor half -starved wretches crawled out 
of their houses, begging for bread. All the stores the 
commissioners had brought with them were quickly 
distributed among the settlers and Gates assumed 
control of the government. 

But the people refused to remain longer. The com- 
missioners reasoned with them, but all in vain. It 
was with difficulty they were prevented from burning 
their houses. They entered the four boats and floated 
down the river ; but Lord Delaware's ships came in 
sight before the colonists had reached the sea. He 
brought with him stores and emigrants and before 
nightfall the fires were again rekindled in the deserted 
city of Jamestown. 

The next day the commission of Lord Delaware 
was read, but on account of ill health this authority 
was delegated to Percy, who had been the deputy of 
Captain Smith. The Superior Council had already 
sent a load of stores, and Sir Thomas Dale was bring- 
ing another company of emigrants. 

When the vessels arrived at Jamestown Percy was 
superseded as governor by Dale, who adopted a sys- 
tem of martial law as the basis of his administration. 
Sir Thomas Gates arrived the latter part of August 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. IO9 

with six ships. On board were three hundred emi- 
grants and a large quantity of stores. 

Heretofore the settlement had been communistic ; 
now the right of holding private property was recog- 
nized. The lands were divided, giving three acres to 
each settler. Heretofore all the fruits, vegetables, 
etc., were gathered in a common barn ; no\v the prod- 
uct belonged only to the man who tilled the ground^ 
At once the colonists became more industrious and 
cheerfulness drove despair away. 

Again in 1612 a third patent was granted the Lon- 
don Company from the king, by which the character 
of the goverment was again changed. The Superior 
Council was abolished and the stockholders were 
authorized to elect their own officers and to govern 
the colony on their own responsibility. This change 
was because of the unprofitableness of the colony in 
the past and the great expense attending, as well as 
the dissatisfaction of the company with the manage- 
ment of the council. 

In the year 16 13 Captain Samuel Argall was on an 
expedition up the Potomac, and hearing that Poca- 
hontas, the daughter of King Powhatan, was in the 
neighborhood enticed the girl on board his vessel and 
held her captive. He demanded a large ransom for 
her liberation, but the king refused to pay any and 
ordered his tribes to prepare for war ; but while still 
a prisoner she was converted to the Christian faith and 
became a worthy member of the Episcopal church. 
John Rolfe was a young Englishman of good birth. 
He became attached to the Indian maiden and asked 
her hand in marriage. The king and his chiefs con- 



no FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

sented, and in the spring time, when all things were 
most beautiful, the marriage ^vas celebrated and a bond 
of union between the white men and the red men was 
formed. 

Two years later Rolfe took his wife to England. 
Captain Smith introduced them to Queen Anne and 
iTQUch attention was shown the dusky princess, who, if 
traditions are to be believed, was really a beautiful 
woman. The next year she sickened and died, leaving 
a son, who came to Jamestown and became a man of 
importance in the colony. Several Virginia families 
trace their relationship to this man. John Randolph 
of Roanoke was a descendant of Pocahontas. 

Again Captain Argall commanded an expedition to 
the coast of Maine. The object was to protect Eng- 
lish fishermen and to destroy any French colonies that 
might be found on that part of the earth that England 
claimed. The French authorities of Acadia were 
building a village near the mouth of the Penobscot. 
The malicious Argall pillaged the settlement and then 
burned it. Part of the inhabitants were sent to France 
and part to the Chesapeake. Then they attacked the 
French settlement at St. Croix. The fort was can- 
nonaded and destroyed. At Port Royal Argall burned 
the hamlet built by Poutrincourt eight years before. 
On his way back to Virginia he fell upon the Dutch 
at Manhattan island, destroyed their huts, and com- 
pelled the settlers to acknowledge the king of Eng- 
land. So the French were compelled to confine them- 
selves to the banks of the St. Lawrence river. 

Sir Thomas Gates returned to England early in 
1614. He left the management of affairs to Dale. 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. Ill 

The laws of the colony had been much improved, 
and the colonial industries beg'an to make a showing. 
Formerly the colonists had manufactured soap, glass 
and tar ; now these things could be bought more 
cheaply in England, so it was not worth while to 
export them. They discovered that there were prod' 
ucts in the new world that could easily be raised and 
be exported with profit. Tobacco, which had now be- 
come very fashionable in Spain, England and France, 
was very easily cultivated, and the streets of James- 
town were planted with the weed. 

In the year 1617 Captain Argall, about whom his- 
tory does not mention a single kind thing, was elected 
governor. As might be expected, his administration 
was marked by fraud and violence. When the news 
of his management reached England emigration was 
stopped, and Lord Delaware immediately started for 
America in the hope of restoring order, but he died 
on the voyage. 

In 1619 Argall was displaced, leaving a shameful 
record. George Yeardley was his successor. Under 
his management many burdens were removed from the 
people, taxes were repealed and martial law abolished. 
The plantation was divided into eleven districts called 
boroughs. The citizens of each borough were entitled 
to elect two of their number to take part in the gov- 
ernment. The elections took place for the first time 
July 30th, 16 19. The Virginia house of burgesses 
was organized. This was the first popular assembly 
in the new world. Though freedom of debate was 
allowed, there was very little political power allowed 
the house of burgesses. In the same year slavery was 



112 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

introduced. Heretofore the servants at Jamestown 
had been English or German. The term of service 
varied from months to years. In August a Dutch 
man of war sailed up the river to the plantations and 
offered at auction twenty Africans, who were bought 
by the wealthy residents and were slaves for life. 

The Virginian society was neither refined (I was 
about to say respectable) nor elegant. There were, it 
is true, six hundred men in the colony, but few of 
them came there with the expectation of making a 
permanent home. Very few families had emigrated. 

Sir Thomas Smith was now president of the London 
Corpipany, and Sir Edwin Sandys succeeded Smith. 
The latter was a man of prudence and integrity. A 
reformation of abuses was at once begun and carried 
out. 

During the summer of 1620 the new treasurer of 
the company sent out twelve hundred and sixty-one 
persons. Among the number were ninety well bred 
young women, and in the foUovs^ing spring sixty more 
modest young women came over and secured a vs^el- 
come. The passages of these young women were 
paid by the citizens of Jamestown, since the treasury 
of the London Company was empty, An assessment 
of one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco was 
levied for each young woman, and cheerfully paid. 
The second ship load cost one hundred and fifty 
pounds. This was paid without complaint. Many 
marriages resulted and the state of society gre^v better. 

In July of 162 1 the London Company gave to 
Virginia a code of .written laws framed according to 
the constitution of England, which again changed 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. II3 

the government. Sir Francis Wyatt, who was now 
commissioned governor, brought the new constitution 
to Virginia in October, 163 1. The colony was now 
in a very flourishing condition. The settlement ex- 
tended for a hundred and forty miles along the James 
river banks and far into the interior. But the Indians 
had grown jealous of the growing colony and deter- 
mined to destroy them before they should be too 
many. Pocahontas and her noble father Powhatan, 
also Opechancanough, the present king, had long 
plotted the destruction of the intruders and the time 
had come for the massacre. Up to the very day in 
which it was to take place the Indians appeared to be 
on the best of terms with the colonists. They came 
to the settlement, borrowed boats and guns and gave 
no token of enmity. On the 22d of March, at noon, 
the savages all in unison fell on every hamlet, every 
family. Men, women and children were destroyed 
indiscriminately, until the victims numbered three 
hundred and forty-seven. A more terrible carnage 
Avas avoided by a faithful Indian who had been con- 
verted. He had a friend among the white men whom 
he desired to save, and he went to him the night be- 
fore the massacre and warned him. The alarm was 
quickly spread among the settlements, and so the 
larger number of colonists were prepared, but those 
w^ho were destroyed lived so far out that messengers 
could not reach them. 

The people felt the need of being close together 
and so gathered about Jamestown. Before the 
massacre there had been eighty plantations ; after that 
there were but eight. Still there were sixteen hun- 



114 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

dred men in the colony, and vengeance burned in 
every breast. They formed themselves into companies, 
and scouring the country they burned villages, killing 
all Indians they came across, until the living fled to 
the wilderness. The colonists returned to their farms, 
and the next year the population increased to 3,500. 
But now King James began to think the constitution 
far too liberal, and he determined, if he could not 
entirely control the London Company, he would 
entirely suppress it. A committee was appointed to 
look into the affairs of the company and they reported 
unsound principles, bankrupt treasury and bad 
government in Virginia. Legal proceedings were 
now instituted against the company and the judges 
decided the patent null and void. The charter of the 
corporation was accordingly cancelled by the king in 
June, 1624. The London Company no longer existed. 
But the seed, after so many discouraging trials, had 
taken root and grew~ and flourished. That there was 
not the highest attainable education among the people 
we gather from the answer of Sir William Berkeley to 
one of the interrogatories put to him by the British 
lords-commissioner of foreign affairs. The question 
asked v^as, "What number of English, Scotch and 
Irish have for these seven years come to yearly plant 
and inhabit with your government,'"' And also, 
"What blacks or slaves have been brought within the 
same?" Berkeley replied, "Yearly they come in of 
servants about fifteen hundred. Most are English, 
few Scotch and still fewer Irish, and not above two 
or three ship loads of negroj^s in seven years." Nothing 
is said of the free emigrants, though included in the 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. II 5 

interrogatory. Probably the number was so incon- 
siderable as not to deserve mention. 

Sir William further says, "But I thank God there 
are no free schools or printing ; for learning has 
brought disobedience and heresy and sects into the 
world, and printing has divulged them and libels 
against the best government. God keep us from 
both !" The farms in Maryland and Virginia fronting 
on the Chesapeake were extensive, the scenery un- 
surpassed. The magnificent sheet of water spread be- 
fore them ; on either hand luxuriant forests giving 
way before civilization ; mountains and hills in the 
distanC'^, and fertile meadows that generously re- 
sponded to the planter's toil. The planter's inansion 
was usually built not far from the shore, with large 
rooms and many windows of tiny panes set in lead. 
There were roomy porches and large gardens, in the 
prim English fashion, with walks bordered by box ; 
sometimes there was a maze constructed of trees of 
the same size planted closely together, to form a 
labyrinth of winding paths, ending in an exquisite bed 
of choice flowers. Seats were disposed in this laby- 
rinth, which was a favorite resort of the gentlewomen. 
The houses were of English brick. Indeed, every- 
thing used in construction and ornamentation came 
from the mother country. We can do no better here 
than to quote from an English visitor whose letter to 
a friend in England contains a description of the 
houses (some of them standing at this time, '92): 
"On entering the hall the walls were seen covered 
with deer antlers, fishing rods and guns ; portraits of 
cavileezs and dames and children ; even carefully 



Il6 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

painted pictures of horses, on whose speed and bottom 
many thousand pounds had been staked and lost, and 
won, in their day and. generation. On one side of the 
hall a broad staircase with oaken balustrade led to the 
numerous apartments above, and on the opposite 
side a door gave entrance into the great dining hall. 
The dining room was decorated with great elegance, 
the carved oaken wainscot extending above the mantel 
piece in an unbroken expanse of fruits and flowers, 
hideous laughing faces, and armorial devices to the 
cornice. The furniture was in the Louis Quatorze 
style, with carved backs to the low-seated chairs. 
There were Chelsea figures and a side board full of 
plate, and a Japan cabinet, and a Kidderminster 
carpet ; while in the great fire place a few twigs 
crackled on large and highly polished brass andirons. 
On the walls hung pictures of gay gallants, brave 
warriors, and fair dames, whose eyes outshone their 
diamonds ; and more than one ancestor looked grimly 
down clad in cuirass and [armlets, and holding in his 
mailed hand the sword which had done bloody service 
in its time. The lady portraits, as an invariable rule, 
were decorated with sunset clouds of yellow lace ; 
the bright locks were powdered, and many little black 
patches set off' the dazzling fairness of their rounded 
chin." 

The tenements were for the use of the manager and 
overseers, and the slaves had cabins. 

Colonel John Taylor, distinguished in the seven- 
teenth century ,as a statesman, author, farmer and 
philanthropist, Avas the first man who attempted to 
improve the condition of the slaves. "He built com- 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. II7 

modious brick dwellings for them, and accustomed 
them to plank floors, glass windows and decent, 
civilized habits of living. He, besides, furnished them 
more regularly and abundantly with food and clothing 
than was usual. His negroes multiplied rapidly, 
became more honest and industrious and his crops in- 
creased." 

Between the pioneers and the planters there was a 
wide difference. The pioneers had been turbulent 
spirits, gamesters, disbanded soldiers, or rejected lovers. 
The planters were of the nobles, refined and educated. 

The staple product of the country was tobacco. 
The laws against its cultivation were evaded, though 
it was very exhausting to the soil. 

Cotton was raised at an early date, but not in^ 
sufficient quantities for export. In 1694 a vessel from 
Madagascar in distress put into Charlestown. The 
vessel was loaded with rice, and the captain in return 
for the kindness he had received gave the governor a 
bag of rice. Now the governor had seen the rice 
growing in the hot swamps of Madagascar, so had it 
sown in the swamps of Carolina. The enterprise was 
successful, and soon rice was growing in both Caro- 
lina and Georgia. 

King James died in 1635. His son Charles I suc- 
ceeded him. This young man was inexperienced and 
stubborn. He took little heed of his western domin- 
ions until he observed the tobacco import. Then he 
would have a monopoly of it if he could, but the colo- 
nial authorities outwitted him, and to his honor be it 
said he recognized them as "a rightfully constituted 
power. 



Il8 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

In 1626 Governor Wyatt retired from ofRce, and 
Yeardley, the kind friend of the colonists, again became 
governor. Under his administration the state im- 
proved rapidly and things w^ere in a most flourishing 
condition ; but he died November," 1637. During the 
summer preceding his death a thousand new^ emigrants 
arrived. The council had the right in an emergency 
like the death of the governor to elect one to fill the 
vacancy, and Francis* West was chosen. But no 
sooner had the death of Yeardley been reported in 
England than King Charles commissioned John Har- 
vey to assume the government. He arrived in the fall 
of 1629, and from this time till 1635 ^^^ colony v^as 
ruled by a most unpopular magistrate. He was dis- 
liked on general principles, as well as because of 
'favoritism. There were many old land grants now 
used by poor persons, who had improved the land in 
a high degree. The governor took sides with the 
speculators against the people, and the outraged assem- 
bly of 1635 passed a resolution that Sir John Harvey 
be thrust out of place, and Captain West be appointed 
in his place " until the king's pleasure be known in 
the matter." A majority of councillors sided with 
the burgesses, and Harvey was obliged to go to Eng- 
land for trial. But the king treated the whole matter 
with contempt and refused a hearing and restored 
John Harvey at once to his place as governor of his 
most unwilling subjects, and he continued in power 
until the year 1639, when he was superseded by 
Wyatt, who held the position until 1643, when came 
the English Revolution. The exaction and tyranny 
of Charles drove his people into open rebellion. In 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. II9 

January, 1643, the king with his friends repaired to 
Nottingham and collected an army of Royalists. The 
capital and southern part of the country remained 
with parliament. The High Church party took sides 
with the king. The republicans and dissenters made 
up the opposing forces and the country was plunged 
into the horrors of a civil war. It was more than two 
years before the royal army was routed. The king 
escaped to Scotland, and his friends fled to other lands. 

But on demand of parliament King Charles was 
brought back, tried and beheaded January 30, 1649. 
Monarchy was abolished. Oliver Cromwell, general 
of the parliamentary army, was made Lord Protector 
of the Commonwealth of England. He retained this 
office until his death in 1658. His son Richard suc- 
ceeded him, but the son lacked his father's abilities 
and courage. Becoming alarmed at the dangers that 
gathered around him, he resigned. For a little time the 
country was in anarchy. Then General Monk, who 
commanded the English army of the north, came down 
from Scotland and declared a restoration of the mon- 
archy. The exiled son of King Charles was called 
home and proclaimed king. Parliament sanctioned 
the measure and on May 18, 1660, Charles H ascended 
the throne of England. 

These were troublous times. Virginia shared in 
some degree the troubles of the mother land, yet the 
evil done to the new state might have been more dis- 
astrous than it was. In the first year of the civil war 
Sir William Berkeley became governor of the colony 
and remained in charge ten years. There was pros- 
perity and rapid development in the growth of the 



I20 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

colony under his wise management. The controver- 
sies about the lands were satisfactorily adjusted, cruel 
punishments abolished and taxes equalized. The 
general assembly was regularly convened to bear its 
part in the government, and Virginia was in essential 
particulars a free as well as a prosperous state. So 
rapid did the population increase that in 1646 there 
were twenty thousand people in the colony. 

But as there is nothing absolutely perfect in this 
w^orld, religious dissensions began to occur in Vir- 
ginia. The Episcopal church was established by law 
and dissenting was a crime. The Puritans were de- 
spised. They were charged with being destroyers of 
peace in England, and in March, 1643, a statute was 
enacted by the assembly declaring that no person who 
disbelieved the doctrines of the English church 
should be allo\ved to teach publicly or privately, or to 
preach the gospel within the limit of the state of Vir- 
ginia. There were few Puritans in the colony, and 
they were excluded from places of trust, and some were 
driven from their homes. Thus all friendly relations 
with 'New England were broken off for years. 

But to return to the government. As soon as it 
was known that Charles II was on the throne, Gov- 
ernor Berkeley issued writs in the name of the king for 
the election of a new assembly. The adherents of the 
commonwealth were quickly put out of office and 
replaced by the favorites of royalty. It was not long 
before the Virginians found that they had exchanged 
a republican tyrant of good principles for a monarch- 
ial tyrant with bad ones. The former commercial 
system was re-enacted in a worse form than before. 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. 121 

The new law required that all commercial transactions 
should be with English ships, and that tobacco, the 
staple of Virginia, could be sold in England only. 
King Charles II considered the British empire per- 
sonal property and began to reward the profligates 
who surrounded him with grants of Virginia land. It 
was nothing unusual for an American farmer to find 
his farm given away to some courtier of the king. 
Great distress was occasioned by these unjust grants, 
and finally the king crowned his folly by giving away 
the whole state to his friends, Lold Culpepper and the 
Earl of Arlington, for thirty-one years. 

The aristocratic party in the colony had obtained 
control of the house of burgesses and the new laws 
were as bad as those of England. A statute was 
passed against the Baptists, and the quiet and peace- 
ful Qiiakers were fined and persecuted. Personal 
property was very heavily taxed, while the large 
estates were exempt. The salaries of the officers 
were secured by a tax on tobacco and the biennial 
election of burgesses was abolished. The people 
began to look about for a pretext to throw off the 
intolerable burden. *' The Susquehanna Indians fur- 
nished occasion for an insurrection. The tribes about 
the Chesapeake bay had been attacked by the Senecas 
and driven from their homes." The Susquehannas 
now fell upon the whites in Maryland, and the Poto- 
mac became the scene of a border war. Maryland 
and Virginia stood by each other. John Washington, 
the grandfather of George Washington, took com- 
mand of a company of militia against the Indians and 
compelled them to cry for peace. Six chieftains went 



122 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

to Virginia as embassadors and were murdered. The 
savages were maddened by this atrocity, and a terrible 
warfare raged the whole length of the frontier. 
Governor Berkeley sided with the Indians, but the 
colonists forgot all that the Indians had shown them 
in the past and, thirsting for revenge, remembered 
only the treachery of the Indians, and not that the 
whites had many time* set the red men the example. 
There wa6 a division in the people. The aristocrats 
sided with the governor and cried peace; while the 
popular party, led by young Nathaniel Bacon, were 
clamoring for war. Five hundred men were quickly 
mustered, and the march into the enemy's country 
began. Berkeley and his following w^ere fiercely 
angry and proclaimed Bacon a traitor. Troops were 
levied to disperse the militia. But scarcely, were 
Berkeley and his forces out of town till a popular 
uprising took place there, and he was compelled to 
return. Bacon came home victorious, the assembly 
was broken up and a new one elected on the basis 
of U7iiversal suffrage. Bacon was chosen a member 
and made commander-in-chief of the Virginian 
army. The governor refused to sign his commis- 
sion, but Bacon appealed to the people, and the 
governor was compelled to yield, and also to sign a 
paper commending Bacon's loyalty, zeal and patriot- 
ism. On the frontier a military force was stationed 
and again peace reigned. 

But Lord Berkeley was proud and full of revenge, 
anxiously watching for an opportunity to begin the 
struggle anew. So he went to Gloucester, where he 
summoned a convention of loyalists to meet him, and 



THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN VIRGINIA. I23 

they pronounced Bacon a traitor. On the eastern 
shore of the Chesapeake the governor's forces were 
collected. There were some English vessels in the 
harbor and their crews were joined to his command, 
and the fleet sailed to Jamestown. There was not 
much resistance ; but when Bacon appeared, lo, the 
loyal forces joined his standard and Berkeley w^as 
obliged to flee for his life. The capital was held by 
the people's party. Soon the rumor got abroad that 
an English fleet was approaching to subjugate the 
colonies. It was decided among the leaders of the 
people's party to burn the city and have an end of the 
troubles originating there. So at eventide a torch 
was applied and the city reduced to ashes. 

But Bacon fell sick and died. There was now no 
leader for the people's party. The royalists found a 
leader in Robert Beverly, the authority of the gover- 
nor w^as restored, and the cause of the people died 
with Bacon. Berkeley seized twenty-two of the lead- 
ing patriots and hanged them, scarcely allowing them 
time for prayers or farewells. Thomas Hansford was 
the first American who gave his life for freedom. 
History mentions the names of William Drummond, 
Edmund Cheesman and Thomas Wilfred as among 
the noble patriots who fell victims to the vengeful 
spirit of the tyrant Berkeley. 

The assembly, horrified at this bloodshed, met and 
passed an act "that no more blood should be spilled." 
It is related of Charles II that when he heard of 
Berkeley's ferocity he exclaimed, "The old fool has 
taken away more lives in that poor country than I 
for the murder of my father." 



124 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

The consequences of this rebellion were far-reach- 
ing. Berkeley and his minions found good excuse for 
suppressing all liberal principles. Education was for- 
bidden. To speak or to write anything either in favor 
of the insurrection or against the administration was 
a crime punished by fine or -whipping, and if the 
offense was three times repeated it was declared to be 
treasonable and might be punished with death. The 
scheme of taxation was again revived, and the people 
groaned under the arbitrary management. 

In the year 1675 Lord Culpepper, to whom, with 
Arlington, Virginia had been given for thirty-one 
years, received the appointment of governor of Vir- 
ginia for life. So the right of the king was relin- 
quished and the state was now a proprietary govern- 
ment. In 16S0 Culpepper took the magistrate's chair. 
His administration was characterized by avarice and 
dishonesty. Virginia being his personal property, 
he considered the inhabitants tenants and slaves. 
Arlington ceded his claim to Culpepper in 1683, so he 
was sole proprietor and governor. But Charles, now 
alarmed at the mischief he had done, revoked his 
patent, having sufficient excuses in his abominable 
frauds and vices ; and again poor Virginia, who had 
been treated to as many varieties of government as 
the middle states are now to varieties of weather and 
temperature in a winter's day, was again a royal prov- 
ince and governed by Lord Howard of Effingham. 
After this affairs moved so quietly along that nothing 
worthy of mention took place. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE PILGRIM SETTLERS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 

IN the spring (1621) the people grew hopeful. The 
sufferings of the past winter had been dreadful. In 
almost every home there had been one or more deaths 
Those who survived had been half starved and frozen. 
Still they had something to be thankful for ; they had 
worshipped God in their own way, and as the w^eather 
grew mild the general health of the colony improved. 
In February Miles Standish and his army (composed 
of six men) went on an exploring expedition. They 
were anxious to find how many Indians there were 
about them. They found none. There were, it is true, 
a few deserted wig^vams, and there was smoke of camp 
fires in the distance, and savages were occasionally seen 
in the woods, but none near enough to speak to, and 
they fled at the sight of the white men. 

It was only a month later when Samoset, a Wam- 
panoag Indian, came running into the village bidding 
the habitants kindly welcome. He told them of the 
neighboring tribes and of the dreadful disease that 
came upon them, a slow wasting away until death took 
them to the land beyond the stars. Then another 
Indian named Squanto, who had been taken to Eng- 
land in 16 14, came in, and as he spoke English he was 
very welcome and he too told them the same, that 
Samoset had. These two friendly Indians had influ- 
ence, so that friendly relations were established with 



126 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the 'Wainpanoags. Massasoit was the sachem of the 
nation and he accepted an invitation to visit the 
Pilgrims at Plymouth. They received him with all 
the ceremony possible. The army (of six) was 
ordered out, General Miles Standish commanding. A 
treaty was made, Squanto acting as interpreter. The 
terms were few and simple. " There should be peace 
between the white and the red men. No injury should 
be done by either party to the other. All offenders 
should be given up to be punished. If the English 
engaged in war Massasoit would help them ; and if 
the Wampanoags were unjustly attacked the English 
would give them assistance." This treaty was kept 
inviolate for fifty years. Other chiefs followed the 
example of Massasoit. Nine of these New England 
tribes acknowledged the English king. One chief 
did threaten war, but Standish and his army compelled 
him to be peaceable. Canonicus, who was the chief 
of the Narragansetts, sent to William Bradford, who 
became governor at the death of Carver, a bundle of 
arrows wrapped in a rattlesnake skin ; but the gover- 
nor, not at all dismayed, filled the skin with powder 
and bullets and sent it back to him. The chieftain 
feared to accept the challenge and it was passed from 
tribe to tribe, finally being returned to Plymouth. 
This was an unseasonable year and the poor people 
were at starvation's door, and new emigrants without 
provisions or stores came and the colonists divided 
their houses with them, as well as their food, all the 
long dreary winter. Once there were only a few 
grains of corn to be given to each individual, when 
some hogs belonging to the settlement rooted around 



THE PILGRIMS IN MASSACHUSETTS. . I27 

a hidden granary, probably belonging to some of the 
dead Indian fainilies, and so saved them from starva- 
tion. Some English fishing vessels came to Plymouth, 
and seeing the sorry plight of the settlers offered their 
provisions at double price, which the starving colon- 
ists had to pay. In the summer of 1^33 the late 
arrivals moved over to the south side of Boston harbor 
and founded Weymouth. These were an idle folk 
and they wasted the summer and fall in idleness. 
They attempted to appropriate the corn of the Indians, 
who were provoked to destroy the whole colony, 
Massasoit came to Standish and told him of the dan- 
ger. The mighty general marched with his army 
upon the Indians and struck terror to their souls by 
killing several noted warriors and marching home, 
carrying the chief's head on a pole. This put an end 
to trouble from that source. The next year the har- 
vest was a good one, so that the Pilgrims no longer 
feared starvation. The Indians did not like cultivat- 
ing the soil ; they preferred the chase, so there was an 
amicable interchange of fresh meat and fish for corn 
and vegetables. 

In four years from the arrival of the Pilgrims there 
was a settlement of one hundred and eighty persons 
in New England. The company who had furnished 
the money for the Puritans' enterprise had expected 
to receive a good revenue, but nothing could be sent 
them, for the settlers were only removed froin starva- 
tion by the merest thread. The London Company 
had expended $3,400 in establishing this settlement. 
It was a very bad investment, and they proposed to sell 
out their claims to the colonists, who finally pur- 



128 .FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

chased them for $9,000. And then the manager re- 
fused to have more to do with them, charging them 
three prices for the provisions they brought, w^hich 
compelled the colonists to borrow money, on which 
they paid sixty per cent interest. 

John White, of Dorchester, England, brought out 
some emigrants and made a settlement at Cape Ann 
in 1624. Two years later the cape was abandoned 
and the company moved to Salem. John Endicott 
brought another company in 1628, he having been 
chosen governor. Charles II now issued a charter by 
which the colonists were incorporated under the title 
of the governor and cojtipany of Massachusetts bay in 
New Eizgland. The following July two hundred 
emigrants arrived, half of whom settled at Plymouth 
while the other half founded Charlestown, on the 
north side of the harbor. After this it was decreed 
that the government should be transferred from Eng- 
land to America, and the charter given in charge of 
the colonists themselves. When this became generally 
known emigration rapidly increased, and in 1630 
nearly three hundred of the best Puritan families 
came to New England. These were highly educated" 
virtuous and courageous men and women, who had 
left comfortable homes w^ithout the expectation of re- 
turning. They chose a grand leader in John Win- 
throp, governor of Massachusetts. He was a man of 
wealth, of intelligence, and refinement ; yet he left all 
to share with the Puritans, their hardships and their 
worship. The new emigrants settled in various tov^ns 
— some at Salem, some at Cambridge, some at Water- 
town (on Charles river), others at Roxbury and 



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THE PILGRIMS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1 29^ 

Dorchester. The governor resided at Charlesto^vn 
for a while, but afterward crossed the peninsula to 
Shawmut and founded the city of Boston, which be- 
came the capital ofthe colony. Sickness and distress 
came to the poor people again as winter approached. 
Delicately nurtured men and women could ill bear the 
biting winds. Lung troubles and consumption, to- 
ofether with the coarse and insufhcient fare, carried off 
so many that before the year was gone fully two hun- 
dred Puritans had "entered into eternal rest." Onl}^ 
those people who have passed a winter in the frontier 
districts of bleak New England can comprehend fully 
the terrors of the time w^hen it is nothing unusual for 
the thermometer to drop thirty-six degrees below zero,, 
and- the icy wind finds its way through every crevice,, 
so that the heart from the fire seems to blow away. 
Corn as a regular diet is of such a heating nature that 
delicate stomachs are soon disarranged, and while 
venison and fo^vl and fish are delicious occasionally 
they soon pall upon the appetite when used as a steady 
diet. Yet there was no dissatisfaction expressed.. 
They were GocTs children. He had sent sent them, 
here and patiently would they wait his call. 

But, strange to say, these people who braved death 
for freedom of reli2:ious belief were so narrow-minded 
that they persecuted those who believed other than 
thcinsclves with severity. A lav/ was passed that 
none but church members should be allowed to vote,. 
and this excluded three-fourths of the citizens. Taxes 
were levied for the support of the gospel, and attend- 
ance on public worship enforced by law. Members of 
the church alone were eligible for office. 



130 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

There was one man in the colony who lifted up his 
voice against the proscriptive law — Roger Williams 
a young man preaching the gospel at Salem. He 
declared that the conscience of man is not bound by 
the authority of the magistrate ; that the civil govern- 
ment had only to do with civil matters ; and for this 
he was compelled to step down from his pulpit. But 
he was not to be silenced, and in 1634 ^^ wrote a 
paper in which he declared that grants of land, 
though given by the king of England, were invalid 
until the natives had been justly paid. When he was 
arraigned for teaching this abominable doctrine, he 
went still further, and told the court that a test of 
church membership for a voter was as ridiculous as the 
selection ot a doctor of physic or a pilot of a ship on 
account of his skill in theology. These assertions 
raised such a furore in court that Williams was con- 
demned for heresy and banished from the colony. In 
the mid-winter he left home and became an exile in 
the inhospitable forest. For fourteen weeks he 
wandered on through snow and sleet. At night he 
crawled into a hollow tree, or if there was not one to 
be had he made him a bed on the ground. His food 
was parched corn, acorns and roots, and in all his 
weary wanderings he carried as his precious treasure 
a letter from Governor Winthrop — a letter of cheer 
and encouragement. The Indians remembered him for 
defending their rights, and in the country of the Wam- 
panoags he was kindly entertained. Massasoit invited 
him to his cabin at Pokanoket and the king of the 
Narragansetts, Canonicus, received him as a friend 
and brother. 



THE PILGRIMS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 13! 

A resting place was found on the left bank of 
Blackstone river, near the head of Narragansett bay. 
Here he pitched 'his tent, and in the spring planted a 
field and built himself a house, the first in the village 
of Seekonk. But he v^as soon notified that he w^as 
still within Plymouth territory. By this time he had five 
followers, who had joined him in banishment. He 
sailed down the river in a canoe and crossed to the 
west side of the ba}^ He was now outside the jurisdic- 
tion of Plymouth. He bought a piece of land from 
Canonicus and in June, 1636, he laid out the city of 
Providence. But, though banished, his teachings had 
not been lost. In 1634 a representative form of 
government was established against the opposition of 
the clergy. On election day the voters, now between 
three and four hundred, were called together and the 
learned Cotton discoursed long and powerfully against 
the proposed change. He was listened to apparently 
with deep interest, and the election went on — a ballot 
box being substituted for the old method of public 
voting. Three thousand emigrants arrived. The 
newcomers were under the leadership of Hugh Peters 
and Sir Henry Vane. The first named had been a 
Puritan pastor of English exiles at Rotterdam in 
Plolland, and the latter a young nobleman of whom 
we read in English history. The settlements were 
growing thick around Massachusetts bay. There was 
really no house room for the emigrants constantl}^ com- 
ing in. A company of twelve families with Simon 
Willardand Peter Bulkely at the head marched through 
the woods spme sixteen miles till they came to some 
open meadows, which was to be the town of Concord. 



132 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Soon atter this another colony of sixty persons marched 
to the west until they reached the Connecticut river. 
The march was a hard one. They were ill-provided 
for the rigors of the winter. Some of them died and 
some, quite disheartened, waded through the deep 
snows, half starved and frozen, to Plymouth and 
Boston. But with the spring those who survived 
Avere back and to their efforts is Massachusetts blessed 
with the towns of Windsor, Hartford and Wethers» 
field, the first towns in the Connecticut valley. But 
religious war was on in Massachusetts. Tlie banish- 
ment of Roger Williams, instead of quieting affairs, 
only stirred them up. The ministers were exceeding- 
ly exacting. Every shade of popular belief was 
scrutinized. . Many were accused of heresy, and 
among them was Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, a brilliant 
woman. She desired to speak at the weekly debates 
and was refused. She was indignant and became the 
champion of her sex, declaring that the ministers were 
no better than Pharisees. She invited her friends to 
meet, and she plead with fervor for the freedom of 
conscience. The doctrines of Roger Williams were 
reaffirmed now with greater force than ever ; indeed^ 
many of the magistrates favored these heretical be- 
liefs, and the governor espoused Mrs. Plutchinson's 
cause. 

A^ synod of New England was called when Sir 
Henry's term of office expired. The synod convened 
in August, 1637, and Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, the first 
woman in America who claimed equal rights for her 
sex, was banished, as were her friends, m^yiy of whom 
went to Roger Williams. Miantonomah, a Narragan- 



THE PILGRIMS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



33 



sett chief, gave them Rhode Island. So in 1641 there 
was a little republic where opinions were safe from 
persecution. 

The general court of the colony in the year 1636 
had passed an act appropriating between one and two 
thousand dollars to found a college. This act was 
commended by the people, for the Puritans were 
quick to appreciate the advantages of learning. New- 
tovv-n was thought to be the best site. Plymouth and 
Salem gave money to help the enterprise. The vil- 
lages in the Connecticut valley sent contributions of 
corn and wampum, and in 1638 John Harvard, of 
Charlestown, a minister, bequeathed his library and 
nearly $5,000 to the school. To perpetuate his mem- 
ory the institution was named Harvard College, and 
Newtown was changed to Cambridge. Surely a bet- 
ter selection for a school could never have been made. 
The original building and part of the brick wall 
around the grounds are in good preservation. Verv 
many trees that shaded the grounds in the days of 
John Harvard are in good preservation yet, for insects 
or worms are not allowed to destroy the pride of 'Cam- 
bridge. Quiet reigns in Cambridge as it does on a 
Sabbath afternoon in the fields. 

Stephen Daye, a printer, came from England to 
Boston and the next year set up a printing press in 
Cambridge. An almanac was the first American pub- 
lication, bearing date of 1639. Thomas Welde and 
John Eliot, two ministers of Roxbury, and Richard 
Mather, of Dorchester, translated the-Hebrev/ psalms 
into English verse. This was the first book printed 
in America. 



134 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

And about this time the growth of the Puritan colo- 
nies struck Charles I and his ministers as something 
that ought to be checked, so they attempted to stop 
emigration. Eight vessels that were ready to sail 
from London were detained by royal authority. It is 
said that Oliver Cromwell and John Hampden were 
among those detained and that this act hastened the 
revolution which cost the monarch his life. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE FEDERATION. 



• 



IN 1643 a plan of union was adopted by which Mas- 
sachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven 
were joined in a confederacy called "The United 
Colonies of New England. The chief authority was 
conferred upon an assembly composed of two repre- 
sentatives from each colony." All freemen voted by 
ballot and the delegates were elected annually. There 
was no president other than the speaker of the assem- 
bly. Provision was made for the admission of other 
colonies into the union, but none were ever admitted. 
The "Body of Liberties" was the name of a statute 
prepared by Nathaniel Ward in 1641. This has been 
since considered the great charter of colonial freedom. 
To make the legislators independent and of equal 
authority, it was decreed " that the councilors and the 
representatives should sit apart, each with their own 
officers and under their own management." Between 
1644 and 1653 there were many worries to the inhabit- 
ants, both from enemies in England and enemies in 
the new country, quarreling about land grants. The 
Protector was the friend of the American colonies and 
Sir Henry Vane deeply interested himself with their 
fate and used his influence in their favor. The villages 
of Maine were about to become the property of a man 
named Rigby,to whom the council of Plymouth had sold 
sixteen hundred acres about Casco, and England had 



136 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

granted a charter to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, whose grant 
was still larger. In sore straits the settlers of Maine 
appealed to the court at Boston to settle the difficulty, 
and the province %vas annexed to Massachusetts. 

In 1656 (the month was July) some Qiiakers, who 
were greatly deserving to live in a land where every 
man was entitled to his ow^n opinions, began to arrive 
at Boston. The first two to arrive were Ann Austin 
and Mary Fisher. They were caught and carefully 
searched for witchcraft and, finding nothing specially 
wrong with them, they were carefully put in prison 
so as to be safe. But after several weeks of prison 
hardships they were brought out and ordered to leave 
the country, and before the year was out eight others 
were caught and sent straightw^ay back whence they 
came. Then they made a law (these people who for 
their faith had suffered all sorts of persecutions) that 
Qiiakers who persisted in coming to Massachusetts 
shottld have their ears ctit off and their tongues bored 
throuo'h with a red hot iron. 

"Ann Burden, who came from London in 1657 to 
preach against persecution, was seized and beaten.' 
Many were publicly beaten and then exiled or given 
the choice of being hanged. " Mary Dyar and Nicho- 
las Davis chose banishment; but Marmaduke Stephen- 
son and William Robinson stood firmly by their faith 
and were sentenced to Jdc hanged." Mary Dyar 
who returned after being twice banished, was 
also hanged. Another Qiiaker, William Leddra, was 
also tried, condemned and hanged. While the trial of 
Leddra was going on Wenlock Christison rushed into 
the court room and reasoned with the judge about this 



THE FEDERATION. I37' 

shedding of innocent blood. He too w^as condemned. 
Others who were anxious for martyrdom were thrown 
into the prisons till there was no room for criminals. 
At length th^ public conscience was aroused and the 
law was amended so that Christison and twenty-seven 
others were liberated. 

The English Revolution was now ended. Charles 
II had. ascended the throne. The news reached 
Boston on July 27, 1660 ; on board the ship were 
William Goffe and Edward Whalley, two of the 
judges who had passed sentence on Charles I. Gov- 
ernor Endicott received them with due courtesy. But 
soon another ship arrived bringing officers to arrest 
and carry thein back to England. These men were 
fortunate enough to keep in hiding for a time and 
finally escaped to the village of Hadley, where they 
remained always. 

When the | restoration M^as complete Charles II 
passed a law forbidding New England colonists to 
trade w^ith any but English ships. ^'Articles pro- 
duced in the colonies and demanded in England 
should be shipped to England only ; other articles 
might be disposed of in European ports, 7 he prod- 
ucts of England shoidd ' not be tnanufacturcd in 
Ame7'ica^ but should be bought from England only ; 
antl a duty of Jive pcjice was put upon imports and 
expforts.'''' It was this duty that produced the Ameri- 
can Fvcvolution. 



CHAPTER XIV. * 

INDUSTRIAL SITUATION, 1660. 

AT this tiirfe wheat was the staple crop, but foui 
years of successive growth caused it to become so 
damaged by blight and mildew that in 1662 the 
growth was abandoned. Corn was easily grown and 
so were potatoes and pumpkins, and good crops of 
barley were raised in Massachusetts in 1603. Rye 
was also grown as early as 1630. Peas and beans 
were also cultivated, as well as pumpkins. Flax was 
grown in the Dutch settlements of New Netherlands 
as early as 1626, and in Massachusetts in 1629, and in 
Virginia in 1647. Hemp was grown in New England 
in 1629. Rice was grown by Sir William Berkeley 
in Virginia in 1647, and in Carolina in 1694. 

The first cattle brought to Massachusetts were by 
Governor Edward Winslow, in 1624, several heifers 
and a bull. Twelve cows were brought to Cape Ann 
in 1626, thirty more in 1629, and a hundred in 1630. 
These last were kept at Salem " for the governor and 
company of Massachusetts bay." The stock bred 
from the first importation was divided among the 
colonists three years later. The breed has not been 
given, but we are told they were black, white, and 
brindle. 

John Mason imported several Danish cattle into 
New Hampshire in 1631-33. They were large and 
well adapted to bear the yoke and were of a uniform 



INDUSTRIAL. SITUATION, 1660. 1 39 

yellow color, which hue ^vas retained for a long time 
even though crossed with English breeds. In 1625 
Pieter d^versten Hulst, in the interest of the Dutch 
West India Company, brought black and white cattle 
from the island of Troyet, off Holland. The Dutch in 
New Jersey got their cattle from New York. Vir- 
ginia had cattle brought from the West Indies in 1610. 
Their killing wjis prohibited by Sir Ralph Lane. The 
next year a hundred head were sent from England and 
in 1620 the number of meat cattle in Virginia was 
about five hundred. They were larger, too, than the 
parent stock. Columbus brought the first cattle to 
the West Indies in 1493. They were of Spanish 
breed. Many were taken to Mexico and from them 
came our Texan stock. The French brought Norman 
cattle into Acadia in 1604 and into Canada in 1608. 
The Portuguese brought cattle to Newfoundland in 
1553, but there are no signs of them now^. Sheep 
were brought into Jamestown, Va.,. in i6o'9. They 
were imported into Massachusetts in 1633, and to pro- 
tect them from wolves they were placed on the island 
in Massachusetts bay. De Soto brought swine from 
the West Indies to Florida in 1538. The Portuguese 
put swine on shore in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland 
in 1553. They were in Jamestown, Va., in 1609 and 
multiplied so rapidly that pallisades had to be built to 
keep them out of the town. 

Apple trees could not well be brought from Eng- 
land, but seeds were, and it is said that in the autumn 
of 1639 ^^^ ^^^^ pippins were brought into Boston 
from trees growing on Governor's island in the har- 
bor. Pear& came nearly a century later, as did 



140 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

peaches and plums and various other kinds of fruit. 

Iron ore was found by Raleigh in Carolina, but it 
took the colonists a long time to find out that it was 
worth mining. Tobacco was so profitable that it was 
the only thing exported for nearly fifteen years. The 
first iron made in this country was from the bottom of 
peat bogs and ponds near the coast. 

There were no facilities for spinning and weaving 
cloth in America for a long time. The settlers bought 
cloth from Dutch ships until the law forbidding buy- 
ing anything froin other than English ships ; then the 
colonists grew poorer and poorer, for in 1760 they 
bought English goods to the amount of .£2,500,000 
and sold to England goods to the amount of £475,000. 
Then they took to wearing what had not been for- 
bidden, leather. The women learned to weave and 
spin and made both woolen and linen clothing. There 
was no law to prevent these private enterprises, and 
knowing it, they worked so skilfully that besides 
supplying their own families they many times had 
pieces of linen or woolen to trade to the merchants. 
Women and children braided and sewed rye straw 
into hats and bonnets, but these were of no service in 
winter. So the governor of Virginia ofTered (in 1663) 
a premium of ten pounds of tobacco For every good 
wool hat or fur one made in his province. His hats 
at first were made with high crowns and very broad 
brims ; then the crowns came dow^n almost on a level 
with the brim. The original process of making felt 
and fur hats is worth copying: "In hat making, the 
fur of raccoons, beavers and rabbits is often mixed 
with the wool in small proportions. The right mix- 



INDUSTRIAL SITUATION, 1660/ 141 

ture being obtained, it was first felted by a process 
called 'bowing.' The bunch of fleece was gathered in 
front of the, operator and then violently agitated and 
then tossed into the air, by twanging the string of a 
stifF bow, and applying the string to the wool. The 
flying fibres would fall upon the table in a thin even 
web. This was pressed under a cloth and another 
layer put on until the fabric was thick enough to use. 
It w^as then put between two cloths and immersed in 
hot water, then pressed into a cone which was shaped 
upon a hat block, and allowed to dry in proper form, 
when it was napped and finished for the store." One 
man could make from four to six hat bodies in a day. 
The beaver hats of the day were made of beaver fur* 

Silk worms and mulberry trees were brought to 
Virginia in 1608, and so anxious was the government 
that the cultivation should prove successful that a fine of 
a hundred pounds of tobacco was assessed against any 
planter w^ho did not cultivate iat least ten mulberry 
trees to every hundred acres of his estate. But it was 
not profitable business. In Georgia the industry suc- 
ceeded better. In South Carolina, while the yield 
was small, it wa s equal in quality to the best India 
silk. Silk worms were introduced into the northern 
States, but were not profitable. 

A paper mill was started in the little village of 
Roxborough, near Philadelphia, in the year 1693. 
Writing, printing, and wrapping papers were made. 
Phosphorus was discovered in 1677, but it was a hun- 
dred years before it was utilized .in making matches. 
So precious was fire that in all well regulated families 
it was never allowed to go out, and in the early days 



142 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA, 

of New England a minister's wife was greatly 
tormented by a shiftless neighbor, who sent continual- 
ly to borrow a shovelful of coals. Now the energetic 
housewife, who spun, wove, dyed her husband's and 
childrens' clothing, and cut and made them as well, 
whose kitchen rafters were decorated with rows of 
dried pumpkins and bags of dried blueberries and 
raspberries, seed corn, peppers, etc., hated idleness as 
she did sin. She tried to impress the "slack" neighbor 
with the holiness as well as happiness of work, but in 
vain ; and when the tall, loose-jointed youth appeared 
at her door for the twentieth time, "Marm wants to 
borry a few coals," a bright little towhead who had 
heard his mother express her opinion of the family 
replied, before his mother could reach the door, 
"Hadn't you better bring back the ones you have 
borrowed all summer?" and quietly closed the door. 
This put an end to .that nuisance. 

The first glass was made in Virginia very iW3on after 
the settlement. History says very little about it, 
however, but it appears that there was a factory about 
Jamestown and that they made glass beads for the 
Indian trade. This was in 1633, but as Jamestown 
was destroyed shortly after this, we do not hear 
again of such manufactures for a hundred and fifty 
years. 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE WAR WITH PHILIP. 

IN 1664 there was war between England and 
Holland. The English wanted the whole country 
and the little Dutch settlement on the Hudson 
was a provocation to them. To be sure, the land of 
America seemed unlimited, but all the same they 
wanted that particular portion that the Dutch had 
settled on. So they sent over four commissioners to 
America to settle colonial disputes, and to exercise 
authority in the name of King Charles II. (The real 
object was to obtain possession of the charter of 
Massachusetts.) In July, 1664, the royal judges 
arrived at Boston. They were not wanted. The people 
of Massachusetts knew that this supreme judgeship 
was dangerous to the rights of self-government. It 
was July, 1664, when these royal judges arrived in 
Boston. The colonial charter, however, was in safe 
keeping, in the hands of a committee. The general 
court forbade the citizens answering to any summons 
issued by the royal judges. A letter full of manly 
protests was sent to the king. The commissioners 
were rejected in all the colonies except Rhode Island. 
Seeing that they could not fulfill the object he ap- 
pointed them for, the English king recalled them, and 
for ten years the country had marked prosperity. The 
Indian king Massasoit died in 1663, and his son 
Alexander succeeded hiin, but died in a year, and the 



144 FOUR PIUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

chieftainship descended to the younger brother, 
Philip of INIount Hope. He was a brave man and his 
people had not been well treated by the whites and 
he felt that the time had come for a final struggle. 
The natives of New England had sold their lands ; 
the whites had purchased them ; the money had been 
paid and the deeds made out. The old man was dead, 
and the young men sighed for the hunting grounds. 
There were in the country east of the Hudson some 
twenty-five thousand Indians and twice as many 
wdiites. The young warriors could not understand 
the validity of titles to land. The sound of English 
axes had frightened the game away, and English nets 
has stolen the fish from their rivers. The Wam- 
panoags now owned only the two peninsulas, Tiverton 
and Bristol. 

There were personal grievances, too, for King 
Alexander's death was no d©ubt caused by the English- 
He had been arrested, tried by an English jury and 
thrown into jail, and caught the prison fever and 
died. It is believed by many that King Philip, if 
left to himself, would have still sought peace. He 
was a wise man, and being far from rich he clearly 
foresaw what the result of a war with the whites would 
be. But the young warriors lacked his wisdom. 
They 'thirsted for revenge and he could not restrain 
them. 

The women and children were put in the care of 
Canonchet, king of the Narragansetts, and the war 
began at Swanzey (Mass.) June 24th, 1675. Eight 
Englishmen were killed. This aroused the populace 
and within a \veek the militia of Plymouth, joined by 



THE WAR WITH PHILIP. 



H5 



volunteers from Boston, entered the enemy's country. 
A few Indians were overtaken and killed, the troops 
marched to the peninsula of Bristol and compelled 
Philip to fly. He escaped to Tiverton with five or six 
hundred fugitives and hid in a swamp. They beat 
back the English with considerable loss. The Engflish 
surrounded the place, but the Indians escaped in the 
night and fled to the country of the Nipmucks in 
central Massachusetts. A general Indian war broke 
out and for a whole year the frontier was in constant 
danger of burning and massacre. 

After the English had driven Philip away, they 
marched to the Narragansetts, where the v/omen and 
children of the Wam.panoags Vi^ere sheltered. King 
Canonchet was given his choice, peace or war. Afraid 
of the English raiiskets, he signed a treaty agreeing to 
give' up all fugitives from the hostile tribe. Still the 
Indians expected that Canonchet would break his 
word and join Philip. The latter persuaded the 
Nipmucks to take up arms, and as usual they com- 
menced hostilities with treachery. Captains Wheeler 
and Hutchinson were sent with twenty men to hold 
a conference with the NipmucI: chief. The Indians 
lay in ambush near the village and murdered nearly 
the whole company. The survivors fled to the settle- 
ment, gave the alarm, and the people escaped to the 
Block House for safety. After a siege of two days- 
the Indians succeeded in firing the house with burning 
arrows and death seemed certain to the inmates. 
Providentially there came up a shower and the fire 
was extinguished. Reinforcements came from 

Springfield and the Indians fled. The people of 



146 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Brookfield were in danger and sought refuge in the 
towns along the river. A battle was fought at 
Deerfield on the 26th of August and the Indians were 
driven away, but a few days later returned and set fire 
to the village and part of it was consumed. A store 
house containing the harvest was saved, however, and 
Colonel Lathrop with eighty men commenced the 
task of removinor the stores to Hadlev. A train of 
wasfons sfuarded bv soldiers left Deertield on the iSth 
of September and had scarcely proceeded live miles 
when thev were attacked bv some eight hundred 
Indians lyingjin ambush. Nearly ever}- white man was 
killed. Captain Mosely arrived while the fight was 
going on with seventy more men. The battle kept on, 
the English retreating in the direction of Hadley, 
when thev were reinforced bv a hundred and sixtv 
English and Mohicans, who put the savages to rout 
with heavy loss. On the same day as the burning of 
Deerfield, Hadlev was attacked while the people were 
at church. Frightened beyond measure, the people 
knew not what to do until the venerable General 
Goffe came from his place of concealment, rallied the 
forces around him, drove the Indians away and then 
fled to his place of concealment and was nevermore 
seen again. Through the fall there was fighting at 
Springfield, Hadley and Hatfield. The Indians were 
repulsed from the latter place w'th hea%y losses. It 
was no longer safe to live on the farms, and so they 
were abandoned and the people came to the larger 
cities near the river. 

Philip gathered his warriors and repaired to the 
Narrasransetts. Bv receivinsr them Canonchet vio- 



THE WAR WITH PHILIP. 



H7 



lated his treaty with the EngHsh, but he chose to 
share his fate with Philip and Massachusetts at once 
declared war against the Narragansetts and Rhode 
Island ^vas invaded by the colonist army of a thou- 
sand men led by Colonel Winslow. The Indians en- 
camped on an elevation in the middle of a cedar 
swamp. There were three thousand of them. Into 
this place was gathered all the wealth of the two 
nations. The wigwams extended over several acres 
of solid land in the middle of the swamp. A fort was 
built on the island and the breastworks were of felled 
trees. The savages thought themselves secure from 
invasion. 

It ^vas the 19th of December before the English 
forces reached the fort. The only entrance to the fort 
was over a fallen tree. A few b:ave men sprang for- 
ward only to be swept down by the Indians' muskets. 
Another company crept around the defences, and 
finding a point unguarded charged into the inclosure. 
The fight had now begun in earnest. The wigwams 
wei*e set on fire and the flames swept around the vil- 
lage. The Indians, attempting to escape from the 
burning fort, were met by the English with loaded 
muskets. More than a thousand warriors were killed 
or captured. The wounded, the old men, the women 
and children of the nation were burned to death. The 
loss to the English was eighty soldiers killed pnd a 
hundred and fifty wounded. Philip and a handful 
of his warriors escaped to the Nip mucks. 

The next spring brought a renewal of the war again. 
Around three hundred miles of frontier, from Maine 
to the mouth of the Connecticut, there were massacres 



148 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and devastations. Lancaster, Medfield, Groton and 
Marlborough were laid in ashes. Weymouth, "joithin 
twenty miles of Boston, was destroyed. Traces of fire 
and murder were everywhere. But the resources o 
the savages were soon exhausted, and their numbers 
rapidly grew less. In April Canonchet was cap- 
tured on the banljs of the Blackstone and put to 
death. His wife and son were made prisoners. The 
son was sold as a slave and died in the Bermudas, 
whither he had been taken. Philip's command 
was nearly all gone. A company of soldiers sur- 
rounded him in his home near Mount Hope. Since 
his wife and son had been taken prisoners, he cared 
nothing, for life. A treacherous Indian shqt him 
through the breast. The king was dead. The 
enemies were no ipore and New England was now at 
peace. She had suffered terribly in this war. The 
losses amounted to some five hundred thousand dol- 
lars. Thirteen towns and six hundred dwellings had 
been consumed. Six hundred men had died upon 
battle fields. 

But now the Indians beyond the Connecticut came 
and pleaded for their lives. The colonists returned to 
their farms and villages. Many hoped that the 
English government would assist in repairing the 
damages, but instead came Edward Randolph, with 
authority to collect duties in New England. Governor 
Leverett received the embassador with chilling dignity. 
He told him that the people had fi.nished the Indian 
war without expense to the English treasury, and that 
they were now entitled to the enjoyment of theif 
rights, and Randolph returned to England. 



(JIIAPTER XVI. 

WAR AND PERSECUTION. 

ABOUT this time (1665) there was trouble about 
the province of Maine. Ferdinand Gorges, 
the old proprietor, was dead ; but his heirs still 
claimed the territory. Long before this the inhabit- 
ants of Maine had placed themselves under authority 
of Massachusetts, but the heirs of Gorges put the 
matter before the English council, and in 1677 a de- 
cision was given in their favor. The Boston govern- 
ment had offered to purchase the claims of the Gorges 
heirs. The proposition was accepted, and for the sum 
of twelve hundred and fifty pounds the province was 
transferred to Massachusetts. 

There was. similar trouble with New Hampshire. 
In 1663 the Plymouth council had granted New 
Hampshire to Ferdinand Gorges and John Mason. 
Seven years later Gorges surrendered his claim to 
Mason, w^ho was now sole proprietor. But this 
territory was still governed by Massachusetts. Mason 
died, and in 1679 his son Robert came forward and 
claimed the province. This cause was also taken be- 
fore the n:iinisters, who decided that the title of Mason 
was valid. 

This was a very great disappointment to the people 
of both provinces. The two governments were 
separated. A royal government was established and 
Edward Cranfield became governor. The people, how- 



150 FOUR PIUNDRED YEARS OP^ AMERICA. 

ever, refused to recognize Cranfield's authority. Tlie 
king thought the people were influenced by Massachu- 
setts, and directed liis judges to inquire whether 
the charter of Massachusetts might not be re\«oked. 
In 16S4 the royal judges decided in his majesty's 
favor. The patent was forfeited and "the king might 
assume control of the colony," said the judges ; but 
the king died before the charter could be revoked. 

James II, younger brother of Charles, now became 
monarch, and in 1686 the scheme was carried out. 
The charter of Massachusetts w^as formally revoked. 
All the colonies between Nova Scotia and Narragan- 
sett bay vv^ere consolidated and Sir Edmund Andros 
appointed royal governor of New England. It was 
said of Andros that King James could hardly have 
found a better tool in his province. It was enacted 
that nothing could be printed in Massachusetts with- 
out the governor's sanction. Popular representation 
was abolished, voting by ballot done away with, 
town meetings prohibited, and the public schools 
allowed to go to ruin. 

The despotism of Andros was quickly extended 
from Cape Cod bay to the Piscataqua. The civil 
rights of New Hampshire were quite overthrown. In 
May of 1686 the charter of Rhode Island was taken 
away and her constitution subverted. The seal w^as 
broken and a royal council appointed to conduct the 
government. Andros next proceeded to Connecticut. 
He arrived in Hartford in 1687. The month was 
October. The assembly was in session. He demanded 
the surrender of the charter. The instrument was 
brought in and laid upon the table. A debate ensued 



WAR AND PERSECUTION. 



151 



and continued until evening. ^ When it was about to 
be decided that the charter should be given up every 
candle was suddenly extinguished, and before other 
lights could be brought in the charter had disappeared. 
Joseph Wadsworth, snatching up the parchment, 
carried it swiftly away through the darkness and con- 
cealed it in a hollow tree, which for nearly two 
centuries afterward was known as the Charter Oak. 
The assembly, however, was overawed, and the 
authority of Andros established throughout the 
country. But his dominion ended speedily. The 
English revolution was about at hand. James II was 
driven from his throne, and the system of arbitrary 
rule which he had established fell with it. The news 
of the ascension of William and Mary was received in 
Boston on the 4th of April, 1689, and on the i8th the 
citizens of Boston rose in open rebellion. Andros was 
arrested and marched to prison. The insurrection 
spread like sunshine and before the loth of May New 
England had regained her liberties. 

The war between France and England was declared 
in 1689. This is known in history as King William'' s 
war. When James II fled from his kingdom he took 
refuge at the court of Louis XIV of France. The two 
kings were both Roman Catholics, and on this account 
an alliance was made between them. Louis agreed to 
help James II in his efforts to recover the English crown. 
Parliament in the meantime had conferred the crown 
on King William. So the new sovereign was in con- 
flict with two monarchs. The war, originating in 
Europe, soon extended to the French and English 
colonies in America. 



IC2 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 
f 

The frontier of New Hampshire was the first scene 
of the struggle. The 27th of June, 16S9, a party of 
Indians in alhance with the French made a descent 
upon Dover. Richard Waldron, the magistrate of the 
town, now over eighty years of age, w^as murdered, 
twenty-three others ^vere killed, and twenty-nine made 
captives and dragged away through the wilderness. 
A hundred Abenakis came down the Penobscot in 
August and attacked the village of Pemaquid — now 
Bremen. A company of farmers were surrounded in 
the harvest field and murdered. The fort was 
besieged and compelled to surrender. A few of the 
people escaped into the woods ; the rest were killed 
or made captives. 

The Eng:lish and Mohawks entered into an alliance, 
but the latter refused to make war upon their country- 
men of Maine. The Dutch settlements of the New 
Netherlands, however, made common cause with the 
English settlers against the French. 

A regiment of French and Indians left Montreal in 
January, 1690, crossed the Mohawk, and reached the 
village of Schenectady. They crept through the 
gates at midnight, startled the sleepers with the war 
whoop, and murdered right an(;i left. The dead were 
scalped. Those who escaped were but half clad and 
they ran through the darkness and snow sixteen miles 
to Albany. Salmon Falls, a settlement on the Pisca- 
taqua, was next attacked and destroyed. The fort at 
Casco bay was taken and all the settlement broken up. 

New England became aroused. In order to provide 
the means of war, a congress ^vas convened at New 
York, and at this congress it was resolved to attempt 



WAR AND PERSECUTION. 1 53 

to conquer Canada. At the same time Massachusetts 
was to co-operate by sending a fleet up the St. Law- 
rence against Qiiebec. The fleet was composed of 
thirty-four vessels carrying two thousand soldiers. 
The command was given to Sir William Phipps. He 
compelled a surrender at Port^Royal and the whole of 
Nova Scotia submitted without a struggle. The ex- 
pedition to Canada was foolishlv delaved until Octo- 
ber and an Indian carried the news to the governor of 
Canada and he was so well prepared in his castle as 
to bid defiance to the English. The only thing for 
Commander Phipps to do was to sail back to Boston. 
Money was necessary to meet the expenses, so Massa- 
chusetts issued bills of credit which were made legal 
tender, and this was the origin of paper money in 
America. During this time the land forces had pro- 
ceeded from Albany to Lake Champlain. There dis- 
sensions arose among the commanders and the expedi- 
tion had to be abandoned. 

Sir William Phipps was ordered to England^ to 
procure aid from the government and to secure a re- 
issue of the old colonial charter. But the English 
ministers replied that the English armies could not be 
spared, and that the old patent w^ould not be released. 
Sir William returned .to Boston in the spring of 1693 
commissioned as royal governor of Massachusetts, 
Plymouth, Maine and Nova Scotia. 

But still the war went on. The village of Oyster 
River was destroyed by the savages in 1694, and the 
inhabitants either killed or taken into captivity. Some 
two years later the village of Pemaquid was a second 
time surrendered to the French and Indians. The 



154 



FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 



captives were sent to Boston and exchanged for pris- 
oners held by the English. In the following March 
Haverhill was captured under atrocious circumstances. 
Nearly forty persons were butchered in cold blood. 
A few were spared to captivity. Among them was 
Mrs. Hannah Dusten. Her week-old babe was dashed 
against a tree. The heart-broken mother and her 
nurse and a lad named Leonardson were taken by the 
savages to an island in the Merrimac, and here, while 
their twelve captors were asleep, the three prisoners 
arose and with hatchets struck ten of them crushing 
blows on the temples so that they lay still forever. 
Then embarking in a canoe they dropped down the 
river and reached the English settlement in safety. 

The war was already at an end. Commissioners 
assembled at the town of Ryswick in Holland early 
in 1697, and a treaty was concluded on the loth of 
the following September. King William was ac- 
knowledged the rightful king of England and the 
colonial boundary lines of the two nations in America 
were established as before. 

In February of 1692, in the part of Salem called 
Danvers, a daughter and a niece of the minister, 
Samuel Parris, were attacked with a nervous disorder 
which rendered them partially, insane. Parris pre- 
tended to believe that they were bewitched, and that 
that an Indian maid servant was the cause of the afflic- 
tion. He had seen her at some of her religious cere- 
monies and that gave color to his suspicions. So to 
rid her of the devil of which he was sure she was pos- 
sessed he firmly tied the ignorant creature and whipped 
her till she was glad to confess herself a witch, 



WAR AND PERSECUTION. 



155 



though she had no idea what that meant. Now Parris 
was not exactly in harmony with his church. Part of 
the congregation, led by George Burroughs, a former 
minister of the church, disbelieved in witchcraft, 
while Parris and the rest thought such disbelief the 
height of wickedness. The celebrated Cotton Mather, 
minister of Boston, had preached much on the subject 
of witchcraft. He thought that witchcraft should be 
stopped and witches put to death. Sir William 
Phipps was a member of Cotton Mather's church, and 
it is said these two men are to I lame for the cruel 
murders' that followed. Stoughton, the deputy-gov- 
ernor, was the tool of Parris and Mather. The laws of 
England and of Massachusetts made witchcraft pun- 
ishable with death. Early in the colonial settlement 
one person charged with being a wizard had been 
arrested at Charlestown, tried and executed. But 
many people had by this time grown bold enough to 
denounce the superstition, and something had to be 
done, so reasoned the wise governor and learned min- 
ister, to save witchcraft from the contempt it was 
likely to fall into. A special court was appointed by 
Phipps to go to Salem and judge those persons accused 
by Parris. Stoughton was to be the presiding officer, 
Parris the prosecutor, and Mather the bishop to decide 
when the testimony was sufficient to condemn. 

The proceedings began on the sistof March. Mary 
Cory was arrested, brought before the court, charged, 
convicted, and hurried away to prison. Sarah Cloyce 
and Rebecca Nurse, two innocent sisters, were next 
apprehended, tlie only evidence against them being 
a half-witted Indian woman and the niece of Parris. 



156 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

These women went to prison protesting their inno- 
cence. Giles Cory was eighty years of age, but his 
life-long benevolence and snowy hair did not save 
him. Edward Bishop, a farmer, and his wife were 
next arrested, tried and condemned. George Bur- 
roughs was accused and arresred and imprisoned. 
Every one who had a spite against another declared 
him or herself to be bewitched by the ofiPending party. 
In the hopes of saving their lives many confessed to 
beings witches. It was soon found that those who 
denied the reality of vjitchcraft were to be fut to death 
Five women were hanged in one day. Between June 
and September twenty victims died on the altar of 
superstition, and fifty-five were toi'tured to make false 
confessions. A hundred and fifty lay in prison await- 
ing their doom. Two hundred were accused or sus- 
pected, and ruin seemed to Tiang over New England. 
But the reaction came. The court which Phipps had 
appointed to sit in Salem was dismissed. The prisons 
were opened, the poor victims of superstition went 
out of their dark abodes free. The next year a few 
persons were arrested andv.tried,but no more lives were 
sacrificed. Many of the participants in these dreadful 
scenes repented them of the wrong they had done, but 
repentance could not bring the dead to life again. 
Mather attempted to justify himself by writing a book 
in which he expressed his '■'■ thankfulness that so 7nany 
witches had met their Just doofn^ And the -president 
of Harvard College approved the JRev. Cotton 
Mather'' s book. 

It was only four years after the treaty between 
France and England at Rvswick till they were again 



WAR AND PERSECUTION. 



157 



involved in war which extended to the colonies. King 
Charles II of Spain died in 1700, after naming Philip 
ofy Anjou his successor (a grandson of Louis XIV). 
This measure looked like a union of France and Spain 
and at once aroused the jealousy of Holland, Austria 
and England. The Archduke Charles of Austria was 
put forward as a candidate for the Spanish throne and 
war Vv^as declared against Louis XIV for supporting 
Philip. 

James, England's exiled king, died in 1701 at the 
court of Louis, who recognized James as the rightful 
sovereign of England. The English court felt this to 
be an insult to England's nationality. King William 
made preparations for war, but died before he was 
enabled to carry out his plans, William died in May, 
1702, and his sister-in-law Anne, daughter of James II, 
became queen of England. Her conflict with France 
is known as Q^ueen Anne's war, Ridpath suggests 
that "a better name would be the war of the Spanish 



succession." 



But to return to America. The powerful five 
nations south of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence 
made a treaty of neutrality wnth both the French and 
English in 1701. The Abenakis of Maine did the 
same, but the French prevailed on them to break their 
treaty, and the first notice of their treachery was, as 
usual, a massacre, - In a single day the whole country 
between the town of Wells and Casco was a scene .of 
butchery and burning. The town of Deerfield was 
destroyed in the middle of the winter of 1703-4 by 
three hundred French and Indians. Forty-seven in- 
habitants were tomahawked and a hundred and 



ICS FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

twelve were taken in captivity, Mady of the prisoners 
were women and children. They were forced to 
march to Canada. The weather was severe, th.eir 
suffering?- intense. Sweet Eunice Williams, the 
minister's wife, fainted by the way. A savage dashed 
out her brains with his hatchet. Those who survived 
this dreadful march were afterwards ransomed, and 
returned to their home, A daughter of Mr. Williams 
remained among the Mohawks, married a chieftain 
and in after years returned to Deerfield in her Indian 
garb. But she loved her brown husband and the sigh- 
ing trees and murmuring waters, songs of birds and all 
manner of wild things. So she left the haunts of 
civilization never to return. 

For a long time a border war existed in Maine and 
New Hampshire. A fleet bearing a thousand soldiers 
was made ready at Boston and sent against Port Royal. 
But again the English had to come back ; the fort was 
so well protected that it was useless to attempt its 
destruction. But in 17 lo a fleet of English and 
American vessels numbering thirty-six, with four 
thousand troops aboard, sailed against Port Royal. 
This time the garrison was weak. Famine came, and 
after a weak defence the place surrendered, and now 
all Nova Scotia became subject to the queen and Port 
Royal was named Annapolis in her honor. 

Since they had been so successful with Nova Scotia 
they made preparations to invade Canada. There 
were to be simultaneous attacks. A land force was 
to march against Montreal commanded by General 
Nicholson. Fifteen men of war and forty transports 
were placed under command of Sir Hovenden Walker 



WAR AND PERSECUTION. I5Q 

for the destruction of Quebec, and seven regiments of 
veterans from European armies were added to the 
colonial forces and sent out with them on this ex- 
pedition. But learning nothing by past procrastina- 
tion, they delayed six weeks in Boston and on July 
30th they set sail for the St. Lawrence. They pro- 
ceeded up the river, but on the 23d of August they 
were enveloped in a mighty fog, a great gale came up 
and eight of the best vessels were dashed against the 
rocks and eight hundred and eighty-four men went 
down to their death. The remaining ships sailed back 
to England and the troops returned to Boston and 
were disbanded. In the meantime the troops com- 
manded by General Nicholson had marched against 
Montreal, but in the news of the failure of the fleet 
the land expedition was abandoned. The folly of 
Walker had brought the campaign to a shameful 
end. France had already made overtures for peace ; a 
treaty was concluded at Utrecht, a town of Holland, 
and by the terms of settlement England obtained con- 
trol of the fisheries of New Foundland, Labrador, the 
Bay of Hudson, and Nova Scotia was deeded to Great 
Britain. This was in 17 13, and the treaty was signed 
April nth. On the 13th of July following a second 
treaty with the Indians was secured throughout the 
American colonies. 

After the times known as Queen Anne's wa^ the 
people were much dissatisfied with the royal govern- 
ors, and there arose a controversy about the salaries 
of these men. The assembly insisted that these peo- 
ple should be paid in proportion to the importance of 
ofiice and the amount of work performed. But the 



l6o FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

royal commissions gave to each officer a fixed salary, 
which was in many instances out of proportion to the 
work required. The difficulty was finally compro- 
mised in which the advantage was on the side of the 
people. It was agreed that the salaries of the royal 
officers should be annually allowed and the amount 
fixed by vote of the assembly. 

In 1740 Charles VI of Austria breathed for the last 
time and there were two claimants for his throne, 
Maria Theresa, his daughter, and Charles Albert of 
Bavaria, and in the conflict which followed nearly all 
the nations of Europe participated. England and 
France were again arrayed against each other. This 
war is known to Americans as King George's war, for 
George II was now king of England. The only event 
of moment to America was the capture of Cape 
Breton. It stands in the mouth of the St. Lawrence 
and was considered the kev to Canada. All the 
northern colonies joined forces and Commodore 
Warren, commanding the English fleet in the West 
Indies, joined the expedition. The siege lasted from 
the 23rd of April until the iSth of June. By the 
terms of surrender Louisberg and Cape Breton were 
given up to England. There was great rejoicing 
among the English colonies and proportionate indigna- 
tion among the French. Louisberg must be taken at all 
hazards, cried the French. The next year a powerful 
fleet left France, but before it reached American shores 
the commander died. Storm and disaster drove the 
fleet to ruin and when another expedition was sent 
out in 1747 it too met with many misfortunes. A 
treaty of peace was finally concluded. 



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CHAPTER XVIL 

NEW YORK. 

I"^OR ten years after the first settling of New 
^ Amsterdam the Dutch East India Company's 
director governed the colony. In 1621 the 
Dutch West India Company was organized, and Man- 
hattan island passed at once under control of the new 
organization. There were only a few huts on the 
island, but in April, 1633, the ship New Netherland, 
with thirty families on board, arrived at New Amster- 
dam, The colonists, called Walloons, were Dutch 
Protestant refugees from Flanders. The leader was 
Cornelius May. Most of the emigrants settled with 
their friends on Manhattan, but a party of fifty, with 
the captain, explored the coast of New Jersey and the 
bay of Delaware. A site was selected a few miles 
below Camden and a block house built called Fort 
Nassau. A little later in the same year the Dutch 
Captain Joris ascended the Hudson to Castle island, 
where Christiaason had built the older Fort Nassau. 
A great flood in the river had swept away all traces 
of the fort. So he sailed a little farther up and re- 
built the fortress on the present site of Albany. The 
name of this northern outpost was changed to Fort 
Orange. Eighteen families were settled here per- 
manently. Cornelius May the leader of the colonists 
who arrived m 1633, was made governor of the colony 
of Manhattan. His duties were such as belong to a 



l62 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. ' 

trading-post only. In 1625 William Verhulst became 
director of the settlement and in January of ,the next 
year Peter Minuit was appointed by the Dutch West 
India Company governo/ of New Netherlands, in 
May the island, containing more than twenty-iive 
thousand acres, was purchased by the Dutch from the 
natives for twenty-four dollars. A block house wa . 
erected on the northern point of land and surrounded 
with pallisades. New Amsterdam by this time had 
thirty houses. From the first the Dutch of New 
Amsterdam and the Pilgrims of Plymouth were warm 
friends. An embassy was sent in 1627 by Minuit to 
Plymouth with expressions ot courtesy and good will. 
The Puritans were invited to remove to the valley ot 
the Connecticut. Governor Bradford replied with 
words of sympathy. The Dutch were advised of the 
claims of England to the country of the Hudson and 
the inhabitants of New Netherlands were cautioned 
to obtain new land titles from the council of Ply- 
mouth. 

The colony of Manhattan grew fast. In 1628 it 
numbered two hundred and seventy. All energies 
were devoted to the fur trade, and the prospects of 
the colony were very promising. The West India 
Company framed a charter of privileges in 1629. 
Under this a class of proprietors called fatroons were 
authorized to colonize the country. The conditions 
were that the estates should be held as dependencies 
of Holland that each patroon should purchase his 
estate of the Indians^ and that he should establish a 
colon}^ of not less than fifty persons. 

Five estates we^e immediately laid out — three in 



NEW YORK. 163 

the valley of the Hudson, the fourth on Staten Island, 
and the fifth in the southern half of Delaware. Samuel 
Godyn was the patroon of this estate, but the manager 
wa>^ David de Vries. He brought thirty emigrants 
to Delaware bay. In the spring of 163 1, the com- 
pany selected as a site for their new home territory 
close to the mouth of Louis creek. The place was 
called Lewistown and is the oldest settlement in 
Delaware. 

De Vries returned to Holland, leaving Hosset in 
charge, but under his management the colony was 
soon ruined. Hosset treated the natives unjustly. 
They became incensed and fell upon the colony, de- 
stroying it utterly. Nothing remained of it but ashes. 
Minuit was superseded by Wouter van Twiller in 
April of 1633. The Dutch had erected a block house 
at Hartford some three months previously, and in 
October of the same year an armed vessel from Ply- 
mouth had sailed up the river and defied the Dutch 
commander. The English sailed up the stream to the 
mouth of the Farmington, where they built Fort 
Windsor. Tw^o years later, by building a fort at Say- 
brook at the mouth of the Connecticut, they had entire 
control of the river both above and below the Dutch 
fort. 

But about this time the king of Sweden thought he 
would like to have colonies in the beautiful land of 
freedom. Gustavus Adolphus, who was a Protestant, 
became involved in a war and was killed in battle 
before he could carry out his plans. But the Swedish 
minister took up the work as his king had planned. 
The charter of tlie company was renewed, and after 



164 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

four years the enterprise succeeded. It was late in 
the year 1637 when a company of Swedes and Finns 
left the harbor of Stockholm and in February arrived 
in Delaware bay. The country from Cape Henlopen 
to Trenton Falls was purchased honorably of the 
Indians, and the territory was called New Sweden. 
The spot chosen for the settlement was on the left 
bank of a tributary to the Brandywine, a river noted 
for beautiful scenery. The emigrants were industrious 
and soon were provided with comfortable homes. 
The creek and the fort were both named after the 
gentle maiden queen Christina. In a short time other 
emigrants arrived and soon the banks of the river and 
bay were dotted with thrifty hamlets. But the 
authorities of New Amsterdam were jealous of their 
new neighbors and warned them of their intrusion into 
the Dutch valley. Still the Swedes went on enlarging 
their borders. Kieft, who had succeeded Governor 
Van Twiller, grew very indignant at their aggressions, 
and sent a party to rebuild Fort Nassau, on the old 
site below Camden. The Swedes adopted measures for 
defence. They ascended the river to within six miles 
of the mouth of the Schuylkill, where they landed ; 
and on the island called Tinicum, a short distance 
below Philadelphia, they landed and immediately con- 
structed a stout fort of hemlock logs and at this fort 
in 1643 Governor Printz established his residence. 

New Netherland berame involved in a war with 
the Indians in 1640. Dishonest traders had made the 
Indians drunk and then defrauded them. So the 
savages of Jersey shore determined to destroy the 
whites, and crossed over to Staten Island, burning 



NEW YORK. 165 

houses and killing men, women and children. New 
Amsterdam was quickly put into state of defence 
against the savages. The war degenerated on both 
sides into treachery and murder. The kindly and 
honest Roger Williams tried to make peace. A truce 
was obtained, but immediately broken. A chieftain's 
son, who had been robbed, went to the nearest settle- 
ment and killed the first Hollander he met. Governor 
Kieft demanded the criminal. The chiefs refused to 
give him up. About this time a party of Mohawks 
came down the river and appealed to the governor of 
New Netherland for assistance in driving away the 
Algonquins, who were settled near New Amsterdam. 
Kieft saw an opportunity of wholsale destruction. A 
company of soldiers set out for Manhattan and dis- 
covered the Algonquin camp. The place was sur- 
rounded in the darkness of night, and the first the 
Algonquins knew of danger was the crash of mus- 
ketry. Nearly a hundred of them were killed by 
those to whom they had come for aid. 

Now when it was known that the Dutch, and not 
the Mohawks, had committed this outrage, the war 
was renewed with fury. The Indians divided them- 
selves into small parties and hid themselves in the 
woods. Then they surrounded farm houses, killing 
the inmates and burning the houses. Mrs. Anne 
Hutchinson was living with her son-in-law in the 
valley of the Housatonic. Her house was surrounded 
and every member of the family killed except one 
child, and Mrs. Hutchinson was burned alive. Thus 
did the Indians repay the Dutch for their treachery. 

Captain John Underbill was appointed commander 



l66 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

4 

of the Dutch forces. He commenced by invading 
New Jersey and conquering the Delawares. A sharp 
and decisive battle was fought on Long Island and 
another at Greenwich in western Connecticut. The 
power of the Indians was finally broken, and the 
Iroquois came forward with proposals of peace. Both 
parties were weary of the long war. It had brought 
ruin to both. On the 30th of August, 1645, a treaty 
was concluded at Fort Amsterdam. 

It is stated on good authority that all the conse- 
quences of innocent blood shedding may be tracea to 
Governor Kieft. Many times had his people desired 
to make peace with the Indians, but the project had 
always been defeated by the governor, and as soon as 
the war was ended petitions for his removal were cir- 
culated and signed by the people. The West India 
Company revoked his commission and appointed 
Peter Stuyvesant to succeed him in 1647. Kieft 
sailed for Europe, but his ship was wrecked off the 
coast of Wales and he found a watery grave. 

it was the nth of May, 1647, when Peter Stuyves- 
ant entered upon his duties. He continued in office 
continuously seventeen years. His policy was to 
conciliate the Indians. So cordial and even intimate 
w^ere their relations that they were suspected of mak- 
ing common cause against the English. Massachu- 
setts became alarmed. Such an alliance might mean 
the direst of mischief to her. But her alarm was need- 
less, Stuyvesant's policy was on noble principles. 

The West India Company had since the settlement 
of the New Netherlands exclusive monopoly of the 
commerce of that settlement. In 1648 this monopK)iy 



NEW YORK. 167 

was abolished, and regular export duties were sub- 
stituted. That the change was beneficial was soon 
apparent in the improvements of the Dutch colony. 

Stuyvesant predicted (in a letter to the secretary of 
the West India Company) that "the commerce of New 
Amsterdam should cover every ocean, and the ships 
of all nations crowd into her harbor," but this did not 
come to pass for many years. The upper part of the 
island was still divided among the farmers and Central 
Park was a forest of oaks and chestnuts. The 
boundary was fixed between New England and New 
Netherland in 1650. The line extended across Long 
Island north and south, passing through Oyster Bay, 
and thence to Greenwich on the other side of the 
sound. Frqm this line north the boundary line was 
nearly identical with the present state line of Con- 
necticut on the west. This treaty was ratified by the 
colonies, by the West India Company, by the states- 
general of Holland, but England treated the matter 
with perfect indifference. 

Stuyvesant was disposed to, subdue the colony of 
New Sweden, so in 165 1 an armament left New 
Amsterdam for the Delaware, Fort Casimir was built 
on the present site of New \Castle, and was garrisoned 
with Dutch soldiers. This fort was almost in sight of 
the little city of Christiana. It was evident that the 
Dutch meant war, so Rising, the governor of the 
Swedes, waited patiently until the fort was completed, 
then captured the place by stratagem and put the 
flag of Sweden over it. But the triumph was very 
short, for the West India Company immediately 
ordered Stuyvesant to compel the surrender of the 



l68 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Swedes. So in the month of September, 1655, the kind- 
hearted, but firm Stuyvesant, at the head of six hundred 
troops, sailed against New Sweden. And before the 
25th of the month every fort belonging to the Swedes 
had surrendered. Honorable terms were granted to 
all and in a few days the authority of the New 
Netherlands was established and New Sweden waS 
known no more. 

While Stuyvesant was bringing the Swedes to 
terms the Algonquins rose in rebellion. They sud- 
denly appeared before New Amsterdam in a fleet of 
sixty-four canoes, whoopmg and yelling and discharg- 
ing arrows. They paddled about for a time and then 
went on shore and began to burn and murder. Very 
soon tlie Dutch armament returned, and then the 
Indians began to sue for peace, which Stuyvesant 
granted on better terms than they deserved ; for in 
1663 the town of Kingston was attacked and destroyed 
by Indiana. Sixty-five of the inhabitants were toma- 
hawked or carried into captivity. This outrage was 
punished immediately. A strong force was sent from 
New Amsterdam. The Indians fled to the woods, 
closely pursued by the Dutch, who burned their 
wigwams and killed every warrior who could be over- 
takerv A treaty of peace was signed in May of 
1664 

Poor Governor Stuyvesant was kept very busy in 
defending his country from other nations who seemed 
bound to trespass upon it, and worst of all there was 
discord among his own people. For several years the 
Dutch had watched the growth and apparent prosperity 
of New England. There were excellent schools in 



NEW YORK. l6o 

Massachusetts and in Connecticut. But the academy 
of Manhattan after a career of t^vo years was aban- 
doned. In New Netherland heavy taxes were levied 
for the support of the poor. New England had no 
poor. The Dutch were jealous of their neighbors and 
attributed their lack of success to the West India 
Company. But worse things were to come. March 
i2th, 1664, the duke of York received a patent from 
Charles II granting him the whole country between 
the Connecticut and the Delaware, regardless of the 
rights of the West India Company or of Holland. It 
was through the West India Company's exertions that 
the Hudson valley had been settled. Holland had 
well earned her province. But the duke of York, 
believing that might makes right, at once set 
about claiming his gift. Richard commanded an 
English squadron which put off at once for America. 
The fleet anchored before New Amsterdam on the 
28th of August. The Dutch council was immediately 
convened by Governor Stuyvesant, who exhorted them 
to rouse to action and jight. Some one replied that 
'•Hhe West India Company was not worth fighting 
forT Stuyvesant was indignant beyond words* 
Snatching Nicolls' proposal, he tore it in fragments. 
But all his efforts were in vain. He was forced to 
sign the capitulation and on the 8th of September, 
1664, New Netherland was an empty name. The 
English flag was hoisted over the fort and town, and 
New York was substituted for New Amsterdam. 
The surrender of Fort Orange followed on the 24th 
and the name was changed to Albany, and on October 
1st the Swedish and Dutch settlements along the 



IJO FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Delaware capitulated. The conquest was complete. 
From Maine to Georgia floated the English flag. 

Richard Nicolls was appointed the first governor of 
New York. He at once began his duties by settling 
boundaries. In 1633 Lord Stirling had received a 
patent for Long Island. Connecticut claimed that 
part of the island now the county of Suffolk. The 
governor bought Sterling's claims, but refused to 
recognize Connecticut's, and simply set them aside. 
This made a great deal of unpleasant feeling until the 
duke of York made compensation by a favorable 
change in her south-west boundary. 

The territory between the Hudson and the Dela- 
ware was granted to Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
Carteret in 1664. This district was almost the same 
as New Jersey and was taken from New York and a 
separate government established by the proprietors. 
The territories, as the country below the Delaware 
was called, consolidated with New York, and at 
length the title of New York belonged to all that had 
once been New Netherland. 

It was the hope and belief that civil liberty would 
be theirs that had caused the Dutch to surrender to 
the English government, but little liberty could be 
expected from Charles II. He promised, but did not 
fulfill. The old titles by which the Dutch held their 
farms he annulled. He compelled the people to accept 
new deeds from the government of England and to 
pay large prices for them. Lord Lovelace, much 
more tyrannical than Nicolls, succeeded him as 
governor in 1667. Gloom and almost despair settled 
upon the people. Several towns resisted the tax 



NEW YORK. 171 

gatherers and resolutions were passed denouncing the 
STovernment. Lord Lovelace caused these resolutions 
to be burned before the town house of New York. 
The Swedes were a patient, long-suffering people, and 
they wrote him a little letter of entreaty. The noble 
lord ordered his deputy thus : "If there is any more 
murmuring among this people against the taxes, make 
them so heavy that they can think of nothing but how 
to pay them." 

The king of France persuaded the reckless Charles 
II to begin a war with Holland. The struggle ex- 
tended to the colonies, and New York was revolution* 
ized for a short time. Manning was then the govern- 
or of New York, and awoke one morning to find the 
harbor in possession of a Dutch fleet. He was 
frisrhtened and made no defense. The fort was sur- 
rendered, the city capitulated, the whole province 
yielded without a struggle. New Jersey and Delaware 
submitted. The name of New Netherland was re- 
vived, and the authority of the land was restored 
from Connecticut to Maryland. The conquest after 
all was only a brief military occupation of the coun- 
try. The civil authority of the Dutch was never re- 
established. Charles II, however, was obliged to con- 
clude a treaty of peace in 1674. All conquests made 
through the war were restored. New York reverted 
to the English government and the rights of the duke 
were again recognized. Sir Edmund Andros was 
appointed governor. All the abuses which Lovelace 
had been hated for were revived. Taxes were levied 
without the slightest regard to law, and the protests 
of the people were laughed to scorn. The people 



172 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

demanded a popular legislative assembly and Andres 
was advised by York that "popular assemblies were 
dangerous to the government and he did not see any 
use for them.''^ Andros was anxious to extend his 
realm, and in July of 1675 he attempted to take 
Connecticut under his charge. The people heard of 
his coming and word was sent to Captain Bull, of 
Saybrook, to resist his coming in the name of the 
king ; so when Andros came in sight bearing the 
English colors he saw them floating over the fort. 
The governor was allowed to land, but when he began 
to read his commission he was ordered in the king's 
name to desist. The militia of Saybrook was out and 
the governor thought it wisdom to withdraw to his 
boats and set sail for Long Island. He next attempted 
jurisdiction over New Jersey. He issued a decree 
that ships trading with that province should pay duty 
to the custom house in New York. This action was 
promptly resisted. Andros attempted to frighten 
the assembly of New Jersey into submission, and he 
arrested Peter Carteret, the deputy governor. The 
representatives of the people declared themselves 
"under the protection of the great charter, which not 
even the duke of York could alter or annul." 

William Penn was granted the territories beyond 
the Delaware in 1682 by the duke of York. This 
small district — first settled by the Swedes, then con- 
quered by the Dutch, again transferred to England — 
was now finally separated from New York and joined 
to the new province of Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Dongan, a Roman Catholic, became 
governor of New York in 1683. For thirty years the 



NEW YORK. 



173 



people had been demanding a general assembly. At 
last the duke of York yielded to the demand. The 
new governor came with instructions to call an assem- 
bly of the free holders of New York, by whom certain 
persons should be elected to take part in the govern- 
ment. For the first time the people of the province 
were permitted to choose their rulers and to frame 
their own laws. 

The new assembly declared the people to be fart of 
the government. All freeholders were granted the 
right of suffrage ; trial by jury was established ; taxes 
could be levied by the general assembly ; soldiers 
should not be quartered on the people ; martial law 
should not exist ; no person should be persecuted on 
account of his religion. 

The chiefs of the Iroquois met the governors of New 
York and Virginia at Albany in July of 1684. The 
terms of a lasting peace were settled. But there en- 
sued a long war between the mighty five nations and 
the French. It is said that certain people used every 
artifice to break the treaty with the English without 
avail. In 1684 and in 1687 the French invaded the 
Indian territories, but the warlike Mohawks and 
Oneidas drove them back with great loss. 

The duke of York became king of England in 1685. 
He was known as King James, and one of his first 
acts was to dismiss the assembly at New York, an 
abominable tax was levied, printing presses were for- 
bidden, and all the old abuses revived. Edmund 
Andros was made governor of New England, and he 
planned to get control of New York and New Jersey 
again To New York he sent Francis Nicholson as 



174 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

his deputy, and until the English revolution in 1688 
New York was ruled as a province of New England. 

There was heartfelt rejoicing among the citizens of 
New York when the news of the accession of William 
of Orange to the throne was known, and the people 
rose in rebellion against Nicholson, who was glad to 
flee to England. The leader of the insurrection was 
Captain Jacob Leisler. A committee of ten took 
upon themselves the task of governing. Leisler was 
appointed commander of New York and afterwards 
provisional governor. The councilors who had been 
friends of Nicholson left New York and went up to 
Albany. There the party opposed to Leisler organ- 
ized a second provisional government. Both factions 
began to rule in the name of William and Mary. 
Milborne, who was a son-in-law of Leisler, went to 
Albany to demand the surrender of the town, but the' 
leaders of the other faction opposed the demand and 
Milborne went back to New York. This was the 
condition of affairs at the commencement of King 
William's war. Early in the spring of 1690 the 
authority of Leisler as governor of New York was 
recognized throughout the provinces. 

All the summer was spent in preparing to conquer 
Canada. The general assembly was convened at the 
capital. But little, however, was accomplished ex- 
cept the recognition of Leisler as governor. 

Captain Richard Ingoldsby arrived from England 
in January of 1691, bringing the news that Colonel 
Sloughter had been appointed governor of the prov- 
ince. Leisler courteously received Ingoldsby, but 
Captain Richard haughtily demanded of him. the 



NEW YORK. 



175 



surrender of his majesty's fort. Leisler acknowledged 
allegiance to King Willian and Colonel Sloughter, 
but refused to surrender the fort. In March the new 
governor arrived, and Leisler on the same day ten- 
dered his submission. He wrote a letter to Slousrhter 
expressing his desire to surrender the fort to the gov- 
ernor. The letter was not answered, and Ingoldsby 
was sent with verbal orders to receive the fort. Leisler 
capitulated and he and Milborne were seized and sent 
to prison. When the government was organized the 
prisoners were brought to trial. Sloughter hesitated 
to condemn them to death, but he was invited to a 
banquet and when so filled with wine that he only 
partially understood what he was doing he signed his 
name to the death warrants of these brave men, and 
before he could undo the mischief they. had already 
been hanged. 

The treaty with the five nations was renewed the 
same summer by Governor Sloughter. 

Major Schyuler, at the head of the New York militia 
in 1692, made a successful expedition against the 
French beyond lake Champlain. 

The assembly had met meantime and passed an act 
forbidding arbitrary taxation, and another which de- 
clared the people to be a part of the government. 

Benjamin Fletcher succeeded Sloughter in 1692. 
He was a thoroughly bad man, but one of almost no 
ability. The purpose of the English king was to 
place all the territory between Connecticut and the 
Delaw^are under a common government. So Fletcher 
was commissioned as governor and commander-in- 
chief of New York, and also of the militia of Con, 



1^6 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

necticiit and New Jersey. He met with very little 
opposition in New Jersey, but the Puritans of Hart- 
ford treated his pretensions with scorn. He at- 
tempted to establish the English church in New York, 
but was resisted and defeated. 

In 1696 the French invaded New York, but were 
soon driven back by the English and Iroquois, and 
before a second invasion could be attempted Kino- 
William's war was ended, and in 1697 Bellomont, er* 
Irish earl, was made governor. His administrati'^n 
is said to be the happiest in the history of the colon ''^ 
His authority, like that of some of his predecessor?, 
extended over a part of New England. Massachi^- 
setts and New Hampshire were under his jurisdiction, 
but Connecticut and Rhode Island remained inde- 
pendent. It was during Bellomont's administration 
that the famous Captain Kidd, the most dangerous 
of pirates, held sway. A vessel was fitted out by a 
company of w^ealthy, as well as distinguished. Eng- 
lishmen to protect the commerce of Great Britain and 
to punish piracy. Governor Bellomont was one of 
these proprietors and he commissioned William Kidd 
as captain. No sooner was Kidd at sea than he 
turned pirate himself and became for two years the 
terror of the high seas. His booty has been supposed 
to be buried in many places, and if the people who 
have wasted time and labor in digging for the treas- 
ures of Captain Kidd had employed themselves in 
honest labor doubtless most of them would have been 
saved the disgrace which comes to the people who 
think the world owes them a living, no matter who 
earns it. Captain Kidd was caught on the streets of 



NEW YORK. 1^7 

Boston. He was seized, sent' to England, tried, con- 
victed and hanged. 

Lord Cornbury succeed Lord Bellomont in 1702, 
just a month after the proprietors of New Jersey had 
surrendered their province to the English crown. The 
two colonies were formally united in one government 
under Cornbury and for thirty-six years the two 
provinces continued under the jurisdiction of a single 
governor. Cornbury was cordially hated. He at- 
tempted to established the English church, used the 
public money for his personal benefit, and persecuted 
those w^ho had taken part in the so-called Leisler 
insurrection. The civil dissensions reached a climax 
in 1708. The people petitioned for the governor's 
removal. The councilors selected their own treasurer 
and refused to vote appropriations. Then Queen 
Anne sent Lord Lovelace, and the miserable Cornbury 
vs^as arrested for debts and thrown into prison. 

To conquer Canada was still uppermost in the 
minds of many strong men, and in the winter of 1709—10 
eighteen hundred volunteers from Delaware and 
the Hudson made an unsuccessful expedition against 
Montreal. The troops marched north as far as Lake 
George. There they received information that the 
English fleet which was to co-operate at Quebec had 
been sent to Portugal. The troops of New England 
were not sufficient to attempt the conquest and the 
troops of New York were obliged to retreat. In 171 1 
the army which was to invade Canada by land was 
furnished by New York. A second time they reached 
Lake George, but the news of the destruction of 
Walker's fleet was so discouraging (for without a fleet 



lyS FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

they could accomplish nothing) that they returned to 
their homes. The result of these campaigns were 
heavy debts and in many cases ill health. 

The Tuscaroras of Carolina had been defeated and 
driven from their homes by the southern colonists. In 
17 13 they inarched northward and joined their kins- 
men on the St. Lawrence, making the sixth nation 
in the Iroquois confederacy. Some nine years later the 
governors of New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia 
made a commercial treaty with the six nations by 
which the fur trade of the Indians was secured to the 
English, and in order to secure the full benefit 
Governor Burnett of New York established a trading 
post at Oswego on Lake Ontario and another at Crown 
Point on the western shore of Lake Champlain. 

Governor Cosby succeeded Burnett in 1733 and was 
much troubled w^ith a dispute about the freedom of news- 
papers. The liberal party thought that a public journal 
might criticise the administration. The aristocratic 
party were of course bitterly opposed to freedom of 
thought or speech. An editor named Zenger had 
published criticisms on the governor, was arrested and 
placed in prison. . The excitement was great. The 
populace were for their champion. There was a 
lawyer by the name of Andrew Hamilton living in 
Philadelphia who went to New York to defend Zenger. 
The trial came on in July, 1735. The case was heard, 
the jury brought in a verdict of acquittal. The 
aldermen of New York presented Hamilton with an 
elegant gold box, and the people were wild with 
enthusiasm over this victory of the freedom of the 
press. 



NEW YORK. 179 

The negro plot occurred in 1741. There were very 
many negroes in the community. There had been 
numerous fires and the negroes were suspected, and 
they became accordingly feared and hated. A 
wretched white woman started a report that the 
negroes had made a plot to burn the city and set up a 
governor of their own color. The frightened populace 
were read}' to believe anything. The reward of free- 
dom was offered to any slave who would reveal 
the plot. Many witnesses rushed forward and the 
jails were filled with the accused, and more than 
thirty, with scarcely the form of trial, were convicted 
and hanged or burned to death. Others were trans- 
ported and sold as slaves in foreign lands. When the 
excitement had died away it became only too apparent 
that there had been no plot at all. 

New York had been several times invaded by the 
French and Indians during King George's war, but 
these invasions had been easily repelled. A few vil- 
lages in the north part of the state had been destroyed, 
but the province had not suffered much. The alliance 
of the Mohawks with the English had made these 
more hazardous than profitable. The treaty of Aix-la- 
Chapelle, concluded in 174S, brought peace and good 
will to the people of New York. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

INDUSTRIES. 

THE people of Manhattan dealt largely in furs and 
there were many merchants among them. In 
New England the tillers of the soil were not 
skilled agriculturists. They had few and clumsy imple- 
ments. The work of clearing the ground of trees, 
stumps, roots and stones was very hard. Perhaps no one 
in this age can realize what a terrific task it is to work 
without tools. The trees must be felled, cleared of 
the larger limbs, rolled together and burned, and 
while burning (a period of weeks sometimes) the 
half-burned logs must be kept together, so that all 
would be consumed. The tree felling occured in the 
winter ; the burning in the spring ; and before August 
there would be a thick growth of raspberry bushes 
(red raspberries of finest flavor). The second year 
these canes would be six to seven feet in height and 
quite impassable, except in the paths kept down by 
cattle, sheep or wild creatures. Then sometimes the 
first, sometimes the second year, these bushes would 
be burned down and the big stumps dug out or else 
corn, potatoes and squashes would be planted in the 
now rich earth. It might be years before the stumps 
and roots and stones were out of the way so that the 
land could be cultivated. Stumps and stones were 
hauled by oxen mostly to the boundary of the field, 
where they were arranged in a fashion more pictur- 



INDUSTRIES. l8l 

esque than beautiful. The stump is turned on the 
side so that as large an area of roots as possible front 
the highway ; interstices are filled in with stones and 
roots. Every cleared acre of ground represented so 
much of a ma7i's life. The roads were mere trails 
known by blazed trees. The houses were of logs 
invariably built over a deep cellar. There was a large 
chimney usually built of stones (laid in clay) at one 
end of the house. The back and sides and hearth of 
the huge fireplace were of flat stones. The windows 
were small and covered with oiled paper, and then 
thick shutters bolted carefully at night, as was the 
great door. The furniture v^as simple except such as 
was brought from England — two to three strong, 
high and very straight-backed chairs, a massive table, 
a large chest with carved front. The trusty match- 
lock, sword, or other implements of defence were on 
brackets of exceedingly simple structure. The mantel 
shelf was always high ; so were the shelves and pegs 
on which clothes w^ere hung. These good people 
seemed to consider that the more they denied them- 
selves personal comfort and pleasure, and even love, 
the greater would be the crown. Many a mother 
dared not kiss and fondle her babes as her heart longed 
to do, lest she should be commiting a sin against God. 
An instance of this sort of superstition is related in 
the poem of Miles Standish by Longfellow. It is at 
the time when John Alden, bidden by his commander 
Miles Standish to go to the lovely Priscillaand present 
a proposition of marriage to her from Miles Standish. 
John Alden had crossed the ocean for Priscilla and he 
loved her with a devotion seldom seen. On his way 



iSz FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

to her habitation he communed with himself thus : 

''Must I relinquish it all?" he cried with a wild lamentation, — 

"Must I rellinquish it all, the joy, the hope, the illusion? 

Was it for this I have loved, and waited and worshipped in silence? 

Was it for this I have followed the flying feet and the shadow 

Over the wintry sea, to the desolate shores of New England? 

Truly the heart is deceitful, and out of its depths of corruption 

Rise, like an exhalation, the misty phantoms of passion; 

Angels of light they seem, but are only delusions of Satan. 

All is clear to me now ; I feel it, I see it distinctly ! 

This is the hand of the Lord ; it is laid upon me in anger, 

For I have followed too much the heart's desires and devices. 

Worshipping Astaroth blindly, and impious idols of Baal. 

This is the cross I must bear ; the sin and the swift retribution." 

Longfellow also gives an exquisite picture of the 
work common among the maidens of the day, which I 
can do no better than to copy. 

So through the Plymouth woods John Alden went on his errand : 
Came to an open space, and saw the disk of the ocean, 
Sailless, sombre and cold with the comfortless breath of the east-wind ; 
Saw the new-built house, and people at work in a meadow ; 
Heard, as he drew near the door, the musical voice of Priscilla 
Singing the hundredth Psalm, the grand old Puritan anthem, 
Music that Luther sang to the sacred words of the Psalmist, 
Full of the breath of the Lord, consoling and comforting many. 
Then, as he opened the door, he beheld the form of the maiden 
Seated beside her wheel, and the carded wool like a snow-drift 
Piled at her knee, her white hands feeding the ravenous spindle, 
While with her foot on the treadle she guided the wheel in its motion. 
Open wide on her lap lay the well-worn psalm-book of Ainsworth, 
Printed in Amsterdam, the words and the music together. 
Rough-hewn, angular notes, like stones in the wall of a churchyard, 
Darkened and overhung by the running vine of the verses. 

And for the rest of this exquisite love story read 
the entire poem. No American library is complete 
without Longfellow, Lowell and Whittier. 



" INDUSTRIES. 183 

On the high mantel piece was always a stoutly- 
bound Bible, and not infrequently a very large and 
cumbersome pair of spectacles with frames of brass or 
silver or horn was laid on or beside the sacred book. 
Indeed, one of the company's instructions was as 
follows : "Our especial desire is that you take 
especial care in settling these families ; that the chief 
in the family be well grounded in religion, whereby 
morning and evening duties may be duly performed, 
and a watchful eye held over all in each family ap- 
pointed thereto, so that disorders may be prevented, 
and ill weeds nipt before they take too great a head." 
An hour glass always stood on the shelf by the Bible, 
and frequently there were quite a number of good 
books, as well as the polished brass candle sticks and 
snuffers. This was of course in the best room. The 
kitchen rafters were adorned with various things from 
dried pumpkins to sage. Sanded floors w^ere quite 
the fashion, at least in the front room. The snowy 
sand was brought from the beach and sprinkled even- 
ly over the floor. Then the good housewife with a 
stick or twig 'drew patterns in it. The wealthier 
class brought their china and glassware with them^ 
and they were then, as they are just now, put in 
corner cupboards with glass doors. Sometimes there 
werq "dressoirs" which contained "wooden bowls and 
trenchers, earthen platters, horn drinking cups and a 
pewter tankard." There were baskets of birch bark 
embroidered by the Indians that hung about the walls 
and at regular intervals heavy serge curtains drawn 
back. A pile of block beds (filled with wool or 
finely cut woolen cloth) were covered with comforts, 



184 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

woolen blankets and rugs. At night these were 
drawn out and placed between the serge curtains. 
Around every house there was a pallisade enclosing a 
garden and a spring of water. 

While the Puritans knew nothing of the science of 
farming, not even the rotation of crops or of fertiliza- 
tion, they made so many experiments with plants and 
roots and seeds that the only thing grown successfully 
in this country now that was unknown to them is 
sorg^hum. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT. 

THE first grant of the territory known as Con- 
necticut was made by the council of Plymouth 
to the earl of Warwick in 1630, but in 1631 
(March) the claim was transferred by him to Lord 
Say-and-Seal, Lord Brooke, and John Hampden. Be- 
fore the colony could be planted, however, the Dutch 
had built their fort at Hartford. The Puntans imme- 
diately sent out a force to compel them to desist, for 
their charter not only gave them Connecticut, but also 
the Dutch settlement of New Netherlands. So the 
English squadron sailed up the beautiful Connecticut 
until opposite the fort. The commander of the Dutch 
garrison ordered Captain Holmes to strike his colors, 
and threatened to fire on the fleet should he attempt 
to pass on ; but Captain Holmes defiantly hoisted his 
sails and calmly proceeded on his way with the flag of 
England floating. At the mouth of the Farmington 
they landed and. built the block house of Windsor. 

Hatfield, Windsor and Wethersfield were settled in 
October, 1635, ^7 Bostonians. But before these 
settlements and in the same year young Winthrop, 
son of the governor, arrived in New England. Under 
his direction a fort was constructed at the mouth of 
the Connecticut. The fort was completed just in time 
to prevent the entrance of a Dutch trading vessel 
which appeared at the mouth of the river, and the 



l86 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

place was named Saybrook, in honor of Lord Say- 
and Seal and Lord Brooke. 

Early in the settlement of Connecticut belongs the 
pitiful story of the Pequod war. They were a fierce 
tribe numbering seven hundred men. The entire 
English force did not amount to two hundred men. 
The superior courage and weapons of the English 
more than balanced the superior numbers of the 
savages. 

The crew of a trading vessel were murdered on the 
banks of the Connecticut in 1633. An Indian embassy 
went to Boston to apologize. A treaty was made and 
the Pequods acknowledged the king of England. The 
Narragansetts, who were bitter enemies of the Pe- 
quods, had already made peace with Massachusetts. 
A reconciliation was affected between the tribes, but 
as soon as the Pequods were freed from their fear of 
the Narragansetts they began to violate their treaty 
with the English. Outrages were committed and 
soon the war was on in earnest. 

Now the Pequods attempted to induce both the 
Narragansetts and Mohegans to join them in destroy- 
ing the English. Roger Williams of Rhode Island 
wrote a letter to Sir Henry Vane, then governor of 
Massachusetts, warning him of his danger, and volun- 
teering to oppose the conspiracy. The governor 
replied urging Williams to use his endeavors to thwart 
the alliance. So the noble Roger Williams got into 
his canoe and crossed the bay to the house of Canoni- 
cus, chief of the Narragansetts, and he found there the 
emissaries of the Pequods. For three days and nights 
the man who had been exiled plead with Canonicus 



THE COLOJS'Y OF CONNECTICUT. 187 

for those who had driven him from home in the cold 
and cheerless mid-winter. His efforts for peace were 
successful, and the Narragansetts voted to remain at 
peace. The Mohegaii^ also refused to accept the pro- 
posed alliance. But the Pequods repeatedly attacked 
those on the outskirts. There were many deeds of 
violence and many murders. At Wethersfield there 
was a massacre in which nine persons were killed. 
This was in April, 1637. 

On the ist of May the towns of Connecticut de- 
clared war. Captain John Mason, of Hartford, en- 
listed sixty volunteers. Seventy Mohegans joined the 
expedition, and Sir Henry Vane sent Captain Under- 
hill with twenty soldiers from Boston. The voyage 
from Hartford to Saybrook occupied one day. The 
expedition passed the mouth of the Thames on the 
2oth. Here was the principal seat of the Pequod 
nation. The savages watched the squadron sail by 
and set up shouts of elation. They were quite satis- 
fied that the English dared not attack them. The 
fleet sailed up to Narragansetf bay, disembarked and 
at once took up the march to the country of the Pe- 
quods. Mason called at the cabin of Canonicus and 
tried to persuade the Narragansetts to join them, but 
they were afraid the whites might be defeated and 
dared not bring the wrath of the Pequods upon them, 
so they remained neutral. It was the 25th of May 
when the invading army reached the Pequod fort. 
The warriors spent the night in uproar and jubilee. 
At two o'clock (a. m.) the English marched upon 
then. A dog ran howling and barking among the 
wigwams, and the warriors rushed to their feet. The 



l88 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

English jumped over the weak pallisades and began 
to shoot them. " Burn them," cried Mason, as he 
caught a flaming mat, and ran through the wigwams, 
which in a moment were a sheet of flame. The 
frightened savages ran round and round like beasts in 
a burning circus ; and if one of them burst through 
the flames he met his death. The destruction was 
complete. Only seven warriors escaped, and seven 
were made prisoners. Six hundred men, women and 
children perished, nearly all of them burned to death 
in a heap. Sassacus, the chief of the tribe, escaped to 
the Mohawks and was murdered. Two English were 
killed and twenty wounded in the engagement. The 
Pequods had a second fort and the next morning after 
the battle three hundred came over to talk about the 
destruction of the English. When they saw the ashes, 
all that remained of the pride of the Pequods, their 
rage knew no bounds. They stamped the ground, 
they ran around, they howled. In the meantime 
Mason's men had withdrawn to Saybrook and thence 
to Hartford. The reftinant of the Pequods were pur- 
sued into the swamps. Every w^igwam was burned 
and every field laid waste. Two hundred fugitives 
were killed or taken in captivity. The prisoners were 
distributed as servants among the Narragansetts or 
sold into captivity. 

While pursuing the Pequods the English became 
familiar with the coast west of the mouth of the 
Connecticut. Some men from Boston remained all 
winter, built them cabins and founded New Haven, 
and in April a Puritan colony from England, led by 
Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport, came to make 



THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT. 189 

their home there. On the first Sabbath after their arrival 
they assembled under a mighty oak and Davenport 
preached a touching sermon on the temptation in the 
wildei'ness. These people purchased land of the 
Indians, and for the first year they covenanted to. 
gether to obey the scriptures and had no other govern- 
ment. 

In June of 1639 the men of the colony met in a barn 
and adopted the Bible for a constitution. The govern- 
ment was called the House of Wisdom, of vs^hich 
Eaton, Davenport, and five others were the seven 
pillars. Only church members were admitted to 
citizenship. All officers were to be chosen at the 
annual election. Some other settlers came and villages 
were on both shores ot the beautiful sound. 

The western colonies were subject to Massachusetts 
until 1639. At this time the people began to consider 
a separate commonwealth. Delegates from three 
towns met at Hartford, and on January 14th, 1640, 
the new constitution was framed. This instrument 
was the most simple as well as liberal of any ever 
adopted. But Saybrook and New Haven could not 
accept the frame of government by which the other 
colonies in the Connecticut valley were united. 

In the year 1643 Connecticut became a member of 
the union of New England. New Haven was ad- 
mitted, and the next year Saybrook knocked at its 
doors and asked for admission. Governor Stuvesant 
met the commissioners at Hartford in 1650 and estab- 
lished the western boundary of the province. It was 
thought that this measure would promote peace, but 
in \6^i Stuvesant was suspected of inciting the 



190 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Indians against the English, so that Connecticut and 
New Haven sought aid from the mother land — and 
not in vain, for Cromwell sent out a fleet to assist 
them in subjugating New Netherland. 

But the news of peace came and war was averted. 
On the restoration of monarchy in England, Connec- 
ticut immediately recognized King Charges as rightful 
sovereign. Young Winthrop was sent as embassador 
to London to procure a royal patent for the colony 
He carried a charter which had been prepared by the 
authorities of Hartford. Lord Say-and-Seal and the 
earl of Manchester used their influence to induce the 
king to sign it, and young Winthrop showed the king 
a ring which Charles I had given to Winthrop's 
grandfather. The token so moved the monarch's feel- 
ings that be signed the colonial charter. It w^as the 
most liberal and ample ever granted by an English 
king, and it has been more than intimated that he was 
in a careless mood when he signed it. Winthrop re- 
turned to Connecticut and w^as immediately chosen 
governor of the colony and continued in office fourteen 
years. 

Peace reigned and the civil institutions were the 
best in all New England. Connecticut was saved 
from invasion during King Philips's war. Not a life 
was lost within her borders, and there was no destruc- 
tion of property within her limits. Sir Edmund 
Andros, governor of New York, felt called upon to 
come to Saybrook and read his commission to the peo- 
ple as governor of Connecticut. Captain Bull, who 
commanded the fort, ordered hini to stop. Andros 
insisted that his dominions extended from the Connec- 



'THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT. I9I 

ticut to the Delaware. Captain Bull lost his patience 
and replied with scant courtesy, "Connecticut has 
her own charter signed by Charles II. Now leave ofF 
your reading or take the consequence." The governor 
was beside himself with rage, but he was sent to his 
boat by the Saybrook militia. Andros was appointed 
governor of all New England in October of 16S7, and 
made shortly afterwards a trip to Hartford. He found 
the assembly in session, invaded the meeting, seized 
the book of minutes and wrote ''''Finis''* at the bottom 
of the page, and demanded the surrender of the charter. 
How the lights were extinguished and the charter' 
hidden by Joseph Wadsworth has been related in the 
history of Massachusetts. 

Governor Fletcher of New York went to Hartford 
to take command of the militia in 1693. He carried 
a commission from King William ; but by the terms 
of the charter the right of commanding the troops 
was vested in the colony. Fletcher cared nothing at 
all for the colonial charter. He had been furnished 
with a commission and the commission he purposed 
to read, whether anybody desired to hear or not. 
Fletcher ordered out the militia under arms and com- 
menced reading. "Beat the drums," shouted Captain 
Wadsworth, at the head of the company. "Silence," 
cried Fletcher. "Drum, drum," commanded Wads- 
worth. " Silence," roared Fletcher. Wadsworth 
stepped before the ranks and said, in a most deter- 
mined, though dignified manner, "If I am again in- 
terrupted I will let the sunshine through your body." 
The controversy was ended. Fletcher thought it was 
better to be a "living governor" than a "dead 



192 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

colonel," and he returned to his governorship and 
troubled Conecticut no more. 

In the year 1700 some men, having the good of the 
colony deeply at heart, met at Branford, a town near 
New Haven. Each one of the ten brought with him 
some choice books. "I give these books for the 
founding of a college," said each one as he deposited 
his books ; and this was the founding of famous Tale 
College. The school was opened at Saybrook in 1703 
and continued for fifteen years. Common schools 
were in almost every village in Connecticut. Elihu 
Valejvyas a generous patron, and it was thought wise 
to remove the college to a larger town, and as Elihu 
Yale had been the most generous patron the institu- 
tion was named for him — just as the one at Cambridge 
was for John Harvard. 

Now for fifty years reigned peace and prosperity. 
Poverty and pauperism were alike unknown. And as 
those long deprived of the comforts of life enjoy them 
doubly when restored to them again, so the people 
who had known what starvation and frost-bites and 
Indian wars meant were doubly contented and thank- 
ful. 



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CHAPTER XX. 

THE BLUE LA.WS OF CONNECTICUT. 

THERE has been a great deal said about the 
Connecticut Blue Laws. History says nothing 
about them, and the fact is' if these so-called 
Blue Laws were in existence to-day, penitentiaries 
would not be needed. There were no laws forbidding 
husbands to kiss their wives or mothers to kiss their 
babes. It is true they were a- lustere people, but at 
that time they were no more austere than the good 
people of England. The Rev. Samuel P.eters (though 
how he came to style himself "Rev." is as mysterious 
as his way of calling himself "Doctor," since neither 
title belonged to him) was in need of money. Now 
In this day and generation it is a well known fact that 
the book that is most sharply criticised, and especially 
if it is forbidden to go through the mails, is the book 
that has the greatest sale ; for since the days of Adam 
forbidden fruit is ever the sweetest to certain classes 
of people, and Samuel Peters was a man who could 
talk fluently, but the people who knew him best paid 
no heed to his words. He possessed also the pen of a 
ready writer and, as I have before intimated, he was a 
good judge of humaii nature. So he set himself to 
work to write up the so-called Blue Laws of Connec- 
ticut. He must have been possessed of strong im- 
agination, and as he went along he mixed a -very little 
truth with a great deal of fiction. 



194 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

The Rev. Dr. Trumbull, the historian of New 
Haven, who had grown up with Peters, thus mildly 
speaks of him : "Of all men with whom I have ever 
been acquainted. Dr. Peters, I think, can be least de- 
pended upon as to any matter of fact ; especially in 
story telling." Said a man thoroughly acquainted 
wnth Peters' antecedents : "His own life even begins 
with a fable." He wrote an autobiography of him- 
self. In it he mentions as near relations of his wife 
and himself wealthy and learned people of the 
same name, but who were not any relation to 
either of them whatever, a-nd in many instances 
not even acquainted. The Rev. Dr. Bearrdsley 
thus characterized the book: "Extravagant and in- 
credible, ludicrous and apocryphal." The book was 
first piJblished in 1781. The next year it received a 
new title page w^hich described it as a second edition. 
" Whether this was done to stimulate the sale, or 
merely to improve a blank space in the title by the 
insertion of one more falsehood, is not clear." " Its 
narrations," says Duykinck, " are independent of time, 
place and probability." A sober critic would go mad 
over an attempt to correct its mistakes and misstate- 
ments. What could sober criticism do, for instance, 
in the account of Bellows falls, ^'■zvhere the water 
is consolidated, by pressure, by swiftness, between the 
pinching, sturdy rocks, to such a degree of i^idtiration 
that no iron crowbar can be forced into it^'' or \\'ith 
the bridge over the Qiiinebury at Norwich under 
which ships pass with all their sails standing ; or with 
the infamous villainy of Sir Thomas Hooker, who 
spread death on the leaves of his Bible and struck 



THE BLUE LAWS OF COXXECTICUT. I95 

Conecticote, a great sachem, mad Avith disease ; or 
with the assertion that Yale college " was originally a 
school established by the Rev. Thomas Peters at Say- 
brook ;" or with the story of the alarming incursions 
of the Windham frogs, or the description of the re- 
markable quadrupeds, the whappernocker and the 
cuba ; or with the conviction and punishment of the 
Episcopal clergyman in 1750 " for breaking the Sab- 
bath day by walking too fast from church, and comb- 
ing a lock of his wig on Sunday." 

Now among the worst results of what a Scotchman 
would call wceked lees^ in 1867 Mr. M. McN. Walsh, 
A. Ivx,, L.L. B., of the New York bar, published a 
handy book entitled " The Lawyer in the School 
Room," in which Peters' whole code is given as real 
laws of the New Haven colony. And even worse, 
Prof. Scheie De Vere, of the University of Vir- 
ginia, in his volume of "Americanisms" (published 
in New York in 1872, p. 273) endorses the story of 
the Blue Laws according to Peters as "confirmed vvith- 
out a doubt," yet he doesn't say what they were con- 
firmed by ; probably, however, by the reprint of the 
" Abstract of Laws of New England" (which were 
proposed for Massachusetts, but were never in force 
in that or any other colony). Another man who was 
deeply interested in politics in 18 17, named Jonathan 
M. Scott, wrote a poem entitled " Blue Lights, or the 
Convention." It was in four cantos and was inspired 
by a desire to taunt the federalists. Aside from his 
poem, he quoted some of the Blue Laws, though he 
makes no pretence of being a historian. The first is : 

"I. Whoever kisseth his wife on the vSabbath day 



196 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

shall be fined in the sum of three shillings and four 
pence, or in default thereof shall receive at the post 
forty stripes save one." 

"4. Whosoever shall be convicted of profane 
swearing shall have the oath of which he ^vas con- 
victed written on his hat with chalk for the space of 
one week ; and for the second offence shall stand with 
his tongue in a split stick until the going down of the 
sun." 

"5. All cracking of nuts, eating of apples, and 
such like unbecoming amusements during divine 
service are strictly forbidden, as being highly repug- 
nant to ecclesiastical dicipline." 

The true law against profane szvcarifio- is this 
copied from the first code of Connecticut. 

"It is ordered and by this court decreed that if any 
person within this jurisdiction shall swear rashly and 
vainly, either by the holy name of God or any other 
oath ; [<?/-] shall sinfully and wickedly curse any ; he 
shall forfeit to the common treasure, for every such 
several offense, ten shillings : and it shall be in the 
power of any magistrate, by w^arrant to the constable, 
to call such persons before him, and upon just proofs 
to pass a sentence, and levy the said penalty accord- 
ing to the usual order of justice : and if such person be 
not able, or shall utterly refuse to pay the aforesaid 
fine, he shall be committed to the stocks, there to con- 
tinue not exceeding three hours and not less than one 
hour." 

This is copied from the Massachusetts law of No- 
vember, 1646, Rec. ii, 1 78. 

From "Some Orders of Massachusetts of the General 



THE BLUE LAWS OF' CONNECTICUT. 



97 



Court and Court of Magistrates 1636-1665" (first 
volume colony records) we copy some of the orders : 

"It is ordered that noe yonge man that is neither 
married nor hath any servaunte be noe pubUcke officer, 
shall keepe house by himself, without consent of the 
towne where he Hues first had, vnder paine 
of 20s. per weeke. 

"It is ordered that nOe master of a family shall giue 
habitacon or intcrteinment to any yonge man to 
soiourne in his family, but by the allowance of the 
inhabitants of the saide towne where he d\vells 
under the like penalty of 205. per weeke. These 2 last 
ordets to take effect the first of Aprill next, (pp 7, 8.) 

And here are a few of the court records : 

"1638 Mar. 9 ° die. — It is ordered that whosoever 
doth disorderly speak privately during the sitting of 
court, with his neighbor, or two or three together, 
shall presently pay one shilling, if the court so think 



meet." 



In order that the offences may be easily read the 
spelling, except that of proper names, will be modern- 
ized. 

"1639. — Jno. E , A. S , and Jno W were 

centured for unclean practices as follows : Jno E 

to be whipped at the cart's tail upon a lecture day at 

Hartford (equal to a circus day now). John W 

to stand upon the pillory from the ringing of the first 
bell to the end ot the lecture, then to be whipped 
at the cart's tail, and to be w^hipped in like manner at 

Windsore within eight days following. A. S to 

stand upon the pillory and be whipped as W and 

to have the letter R burnt upon his cheek, and in 



198 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

regard of the wrong done Mary H to pay her 

parents ten pounds, and in defect of such to the 
commonwealth, and when both are in fit condition to 
marry her. 

"It is in the mind of the court that Mr. Ludlow and 
Mr. Phelps see some public punishment inflicted upon 
the girl for concealing it so long." 

"1639. — Jno B and Mary H were both 

censured to be whipped for unclean practices, and the 
girl's master is enjoined to send her out of this jurisdic- 
tion before the last of the next month." 

"1639-40. — Wm, C -, servant to Jno. Crow, was 

fined forty shillings for misdemeaanor in drinking, 
and corporal punishment was remitted upon his 
promise of his care for the future to avoid such oc- 
casions." 

"1640. — Ed Veare of Wethersfyeld is fined ten 
shillings for cursing and swearing, and also he is to 
sit in the stocks at Wethersfyeld two hours the next 
training dayP 

"1641. — For the preventing and avoiding that foul 
and gross sin of lying, it is ordered, that when any 
person or persons shall be accused and proven guilty 
of that vice, it shall be lawful for that particular 
court to adjudge and censure any such party, either by 
fine or bodily connection according as they shall judge 
the nature of the fault to require ; this to hold to the 
next court." 

1643. — Whereas the prosperity and well being of 
common weals doth much depend upon the well 
government and ordering of particular families, which 
in an ordinary way cannot be expected where the 



THE BLUE LAWS OF CONNECTICUT. I99 

rules of God are neglected In laying the foundations 
of a family state ; for the prevention therefore of such 
evils and inconveniences, v^hich by experience are 
found not only to be creeping in, but practiced by 
some in that kind. It is ordered that no person vs^hat- 
soever, male or female, not being at his or her own dis- 
pose or that remaineth under the government of par- 
ents, masters or guardians or such like, shall either make 
or give entertainment to any motion or suit in way of 
marriage, without the knowledge and consent of those 
they stand in such relation to, under the severe 
censure of the court, in case of delinquency not at- 
tending to this order ; nor shall any third person or 
persons intermeddle in making any motion to any such 
without the knowledge and consent of those under 
whose government they are under the same penalty." 

"1645. — Susan C , for her rebellious carriage to- 
ward her mistress, is to be sent to the house of correc- 
tion and to be kept to hard labor and coarse diet, to be 
brought forth the next lecture day to be publicly 
corrected, and so to be corrected weekly, until order 
be given to the contrary." 

"Walter G- ^ for his misdemeanor in laboring to 

inveigle the affections of Mr. Hooker's maid, is to be 
publicly corrected the next lecture day." 

"1646. — Robert B , for his gross misdemeanor in 

slandering Miss Mary Fenwicke, is to stand on the 
pillory, Wednesday, during the lecture, then to be 
whipped, and fined five pounds, and half year's im- 
prisonment." 

To be sure these are copied from the laws of Mas 
sachusetts, but they vary nothing of import from those 



200 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

I 

of Connecticut. For information on this subject im- 
portant to all good citizens consult "Blue Laws, True 
and False," edited by J. Hammond Trumbull, Hart- 
ford, 1S76, published by American Publishing Com- 
pany. 

Perhaps a description of a meeting house in early 
New England may interest my readers. The seats 
were of long planks wnth round legs inserted like 
those of milking stools. There were no backs and no 
means of heating the churches, so all those who could 
took foot stoves to church. I have seen several. They 
were a foot long and eight inches wide. The frame 
was of wood, though they were lined, and the sides 
and top were of tin With holes and slits to allow the 
heat to escape. A shovel full of hard wood coals 
lasted through the long meeting time and -iiterally 
k^pt the people from freezing. Later, when w^ealthy 
people came to join them, the meeting houses grew 
more like English churches. The pews were sort of 
box stalls, the seats could be pushed up and fastened 
and there were closed doors, so nobody need know 
who was in the next pew to him. It is related 
that a little girl, on being taken to meeting for the 
first time, said : " What, must I be shut up in a closet 
and sit on a shelf?" At length the fashion of build- 
ing high pews becam.e a nuisance. Permission to 
build pews had always to be obtained. Doors opened 
often from each pew into the churchyard. It is re- 
corded of the Haverhill church that restrictions were 
put upon those w'ho to glorify themselves w^ould have 
builded towering pews as follows : " Provided they 
would not build so high as to damnify and hinder the 



THE BLUE LAWS OF CONNECTICUT. 20I 

light of them windows." Ther^ were also peculiar 
rules about the Waterbury " pues." In the style of 
building, where every pewholder was entirely inde- 
pendent of his neighbor, the floors were in some pews 
six inches higher than others. This was an unpleas- 
antness carefully guarded against in the building of 
the Waterbury church, allowing pewholders perfect 
freedom in building so they did not "progodish the 
hous." These pews were seated sometimes on three 
sides, so it was not all of the occupants who could see 
the minister and not all w^hom he could see. So the 
services of a tithing man carrying a long switch was 
of real use, as reading from these laws we find human 
nature was about the same then as it is now^ or of King 
David's time. These pew seats in some churches were 
fastened up against the wall when not in use ; and the 
poor "boyes," who had sat still for fear of the tithing 
man (w'ho seemed to have eyes in the back of his 
head), let out a little of their impatience in banging 
up the seats. It has been said that the noise could be 
distinguished half a mile away, so there was a "notis" 
posted in Haverhill church. "The people are to let 
their seats down without such nois." "The boyes are 
not to wickedly noise down the seats." In some of 
the aristocratic churches there were little balustrades 
of turned wood stround the high pews and gallery 
railings and many w^ere the sinful peeps taken by the 
childish sinners at^the occupants of the next pew, and 
as paper wads were in fashion then, as now, many a 
child has been exceedingly angered by some one de- 
lighting to tease, and many a billet doux has been 
passed through the same balustrades when the parents 



202 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

were silently nodding. It was the custom among 
these people to take with them to church, not 
saucy, gorgeous flowers, but a little fennel or 
dill or southern wood, and many times the good 
woman slipped a few peppermints or caraway or 
coriander seeds in the small bead-embroidered bag 
which was always carried on her arm. Sometimes 
the restless little creatures would keep quiet by giving 
them an occasional "goody." 

These pews for many years \vere uncushioned ex- 
cept when a very aged or feeble person brought a 
cushion along:. It is said that Colonel Greenleaf 
caused a dreadful talk in Newbury town at the be- 
ginning of the eighteenth century when he cushioned 
his pew, and the widow of Sir William Pepperel, who 
was a grand-dame, had her pew not only cushioned, 
but curtained with worsted stuff and carpeted with 
bear skin. This pew remained with the same draper- 
ies and rug, though long grown dingy and moth-eaten, 
until 1840. This was in the Kittery church. 

With all their democracy the Puritans had wonder- 
ful respect of rank ^vhen it was accompanied by god- 
liness, and in seating of the congregation the best seats 
were filled by the aristocracy. The pCAv on one side 
of the church was occupied by the minister's family. 
Large families vv^ere the rule th*en — fourteen being 
considered "inedium." One minister is said to have had 
twenty-one living children. The Seats in the gallery 
and the foreseat and pews were considered by far the 
best and there was doubtless much heart-burning and 
anger among those who were forced to take back 
seats, and took them silently, but wnth a "I am as good 



THE BLUE LAWS OF CONNECTICUT. 203 

as you be" air. Those who had seats assigned 
them often walked to others and occupied them. It is a 
matter of history that one woman, whose name we 
will withhold, treated Captain Osgood very roughly 
because he gave her the second seat back of the fore- 
seat, when she felt that her position demanded the 
first seat next the foreseat. This seating business 
threatened disaster tq the churches, so in some votes 
were yearly cast for the persons who should occupy 
the best seats. la other churches those who gave 
and the amounts given determined their seats ; in 
others, seats were sold at regular vandoo. Young 
men and women sat on opposite sides of the church, 
though married people often sat together. The 
Puritan boys were looked upon with suspicious eyes, 
and they sat on pulpit and gallery stairs and were 
spoken of by the good elders (who had forgotten that 
they were ever young) as "ye wretched boyes on ye 
Lords day," and in the town of Salem in 1676 it 
was ordered that "all ye boyes of ye towne are and 
shall be appointed to sitt upon ye three pair of stairs 
in ye meeting-house on ye Lords day ; and William 
Lord is appointed to look after ye boyes yt sitte upon 
ye pulpit stairs. Reuben Guppy is to look and order soe 
many of ye boyes as may be convenient, and if any are 
unruly, to present their names, as the law directs." The 
Puritan fathers seemed never to think that "herding" 
the boys together was positively the very way to 
provoke mischief. It is related of one of these boys 
caught in the very act that he was brought before the 
magistrate with this accusation that he had "sported 
and played and by indecent gestures and wry faces 



204 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA, 

caused laughter and misbehavior in the beholders." 
And of the girls little better can be said. "Of one 
younge woman, Tabatha Morgus by name, S. Norich 
by residence, did on the 24th of February (it being 
Lord's day) profane ye Lorde's day in ye meeting 
house of ye West Society in ye time of ye fore- 
noone service of s'd day by her rude and in- 
decent behavior in laughing and playing in ye 
time of s'd day services, w^hich doing is of ye s'd 
Tabatha is against ye peace of our sovereign Lord, ye 
king, his crown, and dignity," and the said Tabatha was 
fined and compelled to pay three shillings and sixpence 
for her awful wickedness. Likewise Deborah Bangs, a 
yonge girl, for larfing in the Wareham meeting house 
in time of worship, paid five shillings, and a boy who 
laughed also paid a fine of ten shillings. Probably he 
made more noise than she did. It was wicked to 
smile in ye meeting house, for his majestie's tithing 
man entered complaint against Jona and Susan Smith 
"that on the Lord's day during divine service they 
did smile," and each one was fined five shillings and 
cost, which, as shillings were harder to get than five 
dollar gold pieces now, probably enabled them to at- 
tend church with [becoming solemnity for some time 
after. 

One tithing man being found insufficient to keep 
the Puritan boys from "everlasting whittling" (a habit 
^vhich clings to Yankees, as the thin skin to an egg 
shell), it was decreed, in one church, at least, that 
long sticks be put in convenient places ; so that per- 
sons seeing boys whittling the seats or behaving them- 
selves unseemly might bring them to a proper under- 



THE BLUE LAWS OF CONNECTICUT. 20^ 

standing of the holiness of the house they were in, by 
rapping them smartly about the head. The tithing 
man had full control of the boys at midday, and let it 
be said of him he honestly earned his wages. 

By and by it began to be genteel to sit down stairs, 
and also the middle seats, which had been considered 
the poorest, were now looked upon with favor. Then 
the boys, always looked upon with disfavor and given 
the worst seats, were sent into the "gailary," but not 
alone, for a tithing man sat there also. These pews 
were, in the words of the celebrated Dr. Porter, " the 
devil's playhouses." The wee boyes sat down stairs, 
as no boye under ten was allowed in the gailary. In 
Plainfield, Connecticut, the "pestigious boys" invented 
a new annoyance. They " damni^ed the glass," and 
a church ordinance had to be passed to try to prevent 
them from "opening the w^indows or otherwise damag- 
ing the glass." Do you wonder that the boys, full of 
life, opened the windows, which let a little fresh air 
in upon them in the hot high pews, close to the roof 
of the house.'* Do you wonder if they now and then 
nudged each other as the odor of clover and wild flowers 
came up to them through the windows, through which, 
opened only a tiny bit, they caught a glimpse of the blue 
sky and the blue water ? They heard the sweet voices of 
robins and blue birds and the hum of the bees, who 
alone were not censured for working on the holy day. 
The constables were notified to "take hede that 
no one opened the windows in the tyme of public 
worship." Even the sweet fresh breezes were for- 
bidden. What a world of pleasure these poor peo- 
ple lost in serving God after their own hearts. 



2o6 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

In Westfield, Mass., the boys became so wicked 
that the church officers decided that " if there is not a 
reformation respecting the disorders in the pews built 
on the great beame in the time of publick worship 
the comite can pull it down." 

A little later, as there were always more or less old 
and deaf people, the front pew was called the deaf 
pew. There was a custom of seating colored 
people in seats marked. B. W. was for black women 
and B. M. was for black men. Some very deaf 
persons sat on the pulpit stairs and some in the very 
pulpit. Tin trumpets were used to aid the defective 
hearing and many mirth-provoking sights were wit- 
nessed. The choir or singing seat was in the gallery ; 
sometimes again tllfey sat in the two seats directly in 
front of the pulpit, and when in this portion on rising 
to sing the men faced the audience, the women mod- 
estly the pulpit. Sometimes they stood in a high 
square pew, with a table in the center to lay the 
psalm books on when at rest. There was a pew called 
" The Swallow's Nest" or "the roof pew." It was 
reached by a short flight ot steps from the gallery. 
This was not infrequently occupied by Indians or 
negroes. The most dreadful seat was the one known 
as the stool of repentance. By the statutes of the 
new colony barbarous and cruel punishments were 
forbidden ; but here forever humiliated must the one 
who had perhaps sinned, like Hester Prynne, sit with 
the red brand forever on her forehead ; never forgetting, 
till a merciful God relieved her from her sad and weary 
and lone pilgrimage, the sin that caused her to be 
shunned. Remember, all persons in the commonwealfJi 



THE BLUE LAWS OF CONNECTICUT. 20^ 

must attend chtwch. It is a matter of history that once, 
two wretched women, not branded, but bearing around 
their heads the name of the sin each had committed, 
were compelled to sit on the same stool, and a woman 
living in Agamenticus at the same time was ordered 
to stand in a white sheet publicly with the name of 
her offence on her head. This was in 1681, and very 
soon the system was abolished. 

Many ludicrous scenes occurred after high pews 
became common and more comfortable. The people, 
many of them at least, worked very hard during the 
week, and as the air was at least a week old in the 
church it conduced to sleepiness. So it became the 
duty of the tithing man to wake the nappers. The 
following is from the journal of Obadiah Turner ot 
Lynn : 

"June 3, 1646. — Allan Bridges hath bin chosen 
to wake ye sleepers in meeting. And being much 
proude of his place, must needs have a fox taile fixed 
to ye ende of a long staff wherewith he may brush ye 
faces of them yt will have napps in time of discourse, 
likewise a sharpe thorne whereby he. may pricke those 
such as be most sound. On ye last Lord his day, as 
hee strutted about ye ineeting-house, he did spy Mr. 
Tomlins sleeping with much comfort, hys head kept 
steadie by being in ye corner, and his hand grasping 
ye rail. And soe spying, Allen did quickly thrust 
his staff behind Dame Ballard, and give him a griev- 
ous prick upon ye hand. Whereupon Mr. Tomlins did 
spring vpp mch above ye floore, and with terrible 
force strike hys hand against ye wall ; and also, to ye 
great wonder of all, prophanlie exclaim, in a loud 



3oS FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

voice, curse ye woodchuck, he dreaming so it seemed 
yt a woodchuck had seized and bit his hand. But on 
coming to know where he was, and ye greate scandall 
he had committed, he seemed much abashed, but did 
not speak. And I think he will not soon again goe 
to sleepe'in meeting." 

Another story is related of a farmer who had been 
washing sheep the day before, and being quite worn 
out had succumbed to the drov^sy god ; when the 
officious tithing man observed him and roughly striking 
him partially awakened him. In his dream he 
thought he had been kicked by an unruly sheep, and 
catching his inoffensive wife by the shoulders he shook 
her soundly, calling loudly, " Haw back ! haw back ! 
Stand still, will ye?" It is said that the disgrace 
lasted nearly their whole lives. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

ROGER WILLIAMS, the founder of Providence, 
was driven an exile from JMassachusetts because 
he preached that the Indians owned the land 
and should receive recompense for it from the colonists. 
It was in 1636. He was driven out in mid-winter. 
He was joined by five companions. Farms were laid 
out the next spring and houses built. He called the 
place Providence Plantation because it ^vas a refuge 
for all the persecuted. Roger Williams was a native 
of Wales, born in 1606, educated at Cambridge, 
England. He had been a friend of Milton, and was a 
great hater of ceremonies. He believed in religious 
liberty and the equal rights of all men. Williams was 
the natural ruler of the little province, but he had not 
been here long until he felt the need of a second 
baptism. His friend Ezekiel Holliman, a layman, per- 
formed the ceremonv for him, and then Williams in 
turn baptized him and ten others. This was the or- 
ganization of the first Baptist church in America. 
The lands Roger Williams had bought from Canonicus 
he freely distributed among his friends, reserving only 
two small fields for himself. All the powers of the 
government were entrusted to himself. A simple 
agreement had been made by the settlers, "That in 
matters not affecting the conscience they would yield 
obedience to such rules as the majority might make 



2IO FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

fof the public good. In questions of religion the 
conscience should be to every man q guide." The 
new government brought peace and harmony ; all 
sects were welcomed. Miantonomah loved Williams 
with a deep afiection. It was thtougfi his affection that 
the colonists were warned of the intended massacre. 
For this deed of generous kindness the people of 
Salem would have liked him to come back to them, 
but his enemies prevented his return. Many settlers 
came into the free state and in March, 1641, a public 
meeting was convened, the citizens came together on 
terms of equality and the government was declared to 
be a democracy. The vote of the majority should 
always rule. The little republic was called the Plan- 
tation of Rhode Island. In 1643, Providence and Rhode 
Island were refused admission into the union of New 
England, so Roger Williams went to London to 
procure a charter for these two colonies. On the 14th 
9f March (the following year) the patent was granted 
and Rhode Island became an independent common- 
wealth. The new government was organized at 
Portsmouth in 1647. A code of laws was framed and a 
president and subordinate officers chosen. But some 
four years later again the government was changed, 
William Coddington having obtained from the 
English council a decree by which Rhode Island was 
separated from the common government. John Clarke 
and Roger Williams went immediately to London to 
prevent the disunion. Williams was offered the ' 
governorship, but he refused the commission ; Clarke 
remained m England to watch the interests of the 
colony. Charles II came home from his long exile in 



RHODE ISLAND. 211 

1660 Rhode Island had accepted a charter from the 
long parliament, butit was doubtful if the king would 
renew it. The people hoped and prayed for it, but 
dreaded to ask the king this favor ; however, he and 
his ministers listened to the petition and the charter 
was reissued. All the provisions of the old charter 
were renewed. On the 24th of Nbvember the new 
charter was read before the asse^mbled populace of 
Rhode Island. For about twenty years Rhode Island 
prospered, and the distresses which the people passed 
through faded away until they were forgotten. 

Roger Williams, now grown to be an old man, died 
and Sir Edmund Andros^ of whom we have heard 
several times, came and demanded the charter of 
Rhode Island. The demand was evaded by the 
governor and general assembly, but Andros went 
straight to Newport, dissolved the government and 
broke the seal of the colony. He appointed five 
councilors to direct the affairs of the colony, and the 
commonwealth seemed ruined. But the shameful 
usurpation was short-lived. In the spring of 1689 
Rhode Island received news that Andros and his 
officers were prisoners at Boston. On the first of May 
the people of Rhode Island gathered at Newport and 
made a proclamation of their gratitude for the deliver- 
ance, and a Quaker named Henry Bull, more than 
eighty years of age, was chosen governor. The noble 
veteran accepted the trust and spent his last days in 
restoring the liberties of Rhode Island. 

And again prosperity smiled on the little State. The 
principles of Roger Williams became the principles 
of the commonwealth. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

THE territory lying between the Kennebec and 
the Merrimac was granted by Plymouth council 
to Sir Ferdinand Goro^es and John Mason in 
1622. Early the next spring, 1633, two small com- 
panies of colonists were sent by Mason and Gorges to 
people their province. Part of them landed at Little 
Harbor, near Portsmouth, and commenced to build a 
village. The other company proceeded up river and 
laid the foundations of Dover. Plymouth, Weymouth, 
Portsmouth and Dover is the order in which these 
cities were settled. Their growth was very slow. 
For some time they were only fishing stations. 

Gorges and Mason divided the district and Gorges 
took the part north of the Piscataqua, and Mason 
the part between the Piscataqua and Merrimac, and 
in May the Rev. John Wheelwright visited the 
Abenaki chieftains and bought their claim to the 
district, conveyed by patent to Mason. Mason's title 
was confirmed by a second patent, and the province 
was thereafter known as New Hampshire. But 
Massachusetts now began to urge her claims to the 
district north of the Merrimac. 

Mason died in 1635 ^^^ ^^^ widow undertook the 
government of the province. But she delegated 
authority to the servants and dependents of the late 
proprietor, and the condition of affairs became such 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 213 

that John Wheelright and a small pirty of friends re- 
paired to Exeter and founded a village on the banks 
of the Piscataqua. The small colony was declared a 
republic, established on the principle of equal rights. 
New Hampshire became united with Massachusetts in 
April, 1642, but the law restricting the rights of 
citizenship to members of the church was not extended 
over the new province, for the people of Ports- 
mouth and Dover belonged to the church of England. 
New Hampshire was the only colony east of Hudson 
river not settled by the Puritans. 

In 1679 the union of Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire was sundered in this way. The heirs of 
Mason revived their old claim of proprietorship in 
1677, and the courts of England rendered a decision 
that the Masonian claims were invalid as to the civil 
jurisdiction of New Hampshire, but valid as to the 
soil, and on the 24th of July New Hampshire was 
separated from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts and 
organized as a distinct royal province. Edward Cran- 
field was chosen governor. But before his arrival the 
sawyers and lumbermen of the Piscataqua convened 
a general assembly at Portsmouth. A resolution was 
passed that no act, law or ordinance should be valid 
unless made by the assembly and approved by the 
people. When the king heard of this resolution he 
declared it to be both absurd and wicked. In Novem- 
ber, 1682, Cranfield dismissed the general assembly. 
There was great excitement. At Exeter the sheriff 
was actually clubbed, and the tax-gatherer received 
an uncomfortably warm reception from the farmers* 
wives, who gave the men not a cup of cold water, but 



2 14 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

pails full of boiling hot. Hampton villagers led 
Cranfield's deputy out of town with a rope round his 
neck. Cranfield, unable to collect his rents and vexed 
to death besides, wrote to England begging to be 
allowed to come home. 

Now an effort was set on foot to restore New 
Hampshire to Massachusetts ; but before this could be 
done Edmund Andros had stepped in and taken away 
the charter of Massachusetts and made himself, or was 
made, the governor. The colonies north of the Merri- 
mac yielded to his authority, but the moment they 
knew of his imprisonment they also rose in rebellion. 
New Hampshire became again annexed to Massachu- 
setts, but not until it had been joined to the govern- 
ment of the earl of Bellomont. After this the union 
with Massachusetts lasted forty-two years. 

But during this period the heirs of Mason had sold 
their claims to New Hampshire. Samuel Allen 
bought the estate and his son-in-law, whose surname 
was Usher, was appointed governor. Then there were 
lawsuits and strifes without number. Finally the 
heirs of Allen abandoned their claim in despair. Then 
it was discovered that the instrument conveying the 
deed from Mason to Allen was defective and the 
original Masonian patent was revived. In the final 
adjustment the colonial authorities allowed the valid- 
ity of the old patent as to the unoccupied portions of 
the territory, and the Masons surrendered their claim 
to the rest. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

NEW JERSEY. 

ELIZABETHTOWN was founded in 1664. 
There had, however, been a trading post at 
Bergen since 1618, but there were no perma- 
nent dwelling houses until forty years later. Fort 
Nassau was erected in 1633 on the Delaware, but after 
a few months May and his companions came back to 
New Amsterdam. The territory of New Jersey was 
included in the grant made to the duke of York, but 
in 1644 that part of the province lying between the 
Hudson and Delaware (extending as far north as 
forty-one degrees and forty minutes) was assigned to 
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. These 
noblemen adhered to the king's cause during the civil 
war in England and were thus rewarded. 

Shortly after the conquest a company of Puritans 
made application to Governor Nicolls and received a 
grant of land on Newark bay. The Indian titles were 
bought and the following October a village was com- 
menced named Elizabethtown. Philip Carteret began 
his duties as governor in August of 1665. There was 
no friendship between Nicolls and Carteret. Eliza- 
bethtown was made the capital. Newark was 
founded, and flourishing little villages appeared on 
the shores of the bay as far north as Sandy Hook. 
Sir George Carteret had been governor of the isle of 
Jersey and in compliment to him the American do 



3 lb FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

main was called New Jersey. A most excellent con- 
stitution was provided for the new state. The gov- 
ernment was made to consist of a governor, a council 
and a popular legislative assembly. There should be 
no taxation unless levied by the representatives of the 
people. Difference of opinion should be respected, 
and freedom of conscience guaranteed to every citizen. 
The lands of the provinces were distributed to the 
settlers at a quit-rent of half a penny an acre, not to 
be paid imtil 1670. 

In 1668 the first assembly convened at Elizabeth- 
town. The representatives were Puritans, and the 
laws of New England were the laws of the colony. 

All went well until the rents were due (1670). In 
the meantime the colonists had purchased the land 
from the Indians, and the collection of rents was re- 
sisted. Then the colony became indeed anything but a 
happy one, and in May of 1673 the colonial assembly 
deposed Governor Nicolls and elected James Carteret 
to fill his place. After the trouble between England 
and the Dutch in the New Netherlands and the restora- 
tion of that province to England, the duke of York 
received a second patent for the country between the 
Connecticut and Delaware, and at the same time he 
confirmed the patent formerly granted to Berkeley and 
Carteret of New Jersey. But very shortly afterward 
Sir Edmund Andros was appointed royal governor. 
Carteret defended his claim against Andros ; but Ber- 
keley sold his interest in New Jersey to John Fen- 
wick to be held in trust for Edward Byllinge. Philip 
Carteret resumed the government in 1675, while 
Andros opposed him in every act, and the colony was 



NEW JERSEY. 217 

in a state of unrest all the time. Finally Carteret was 
arrested by Andros and brought to New York for 
trial. Byllinge made an assignment of his property 
to Gawen Laurie, Nicholas Lucas and William Penn. 
These people were Quakers and they, like the Puritans, 
longed for a land where they could live at peace. 
Penn and his friends applied to Sir George Carteret 
for a division of the province, and it was agreed to 
divide New^ Jersey so that Carteret's district should be 
separated from that of the Friends. The line of divi- 
sion was drawn from the southern point of land on the 
east side of Little Egg harbor to a point on the Dela- 
ware in the latitude of forty-one degrees and forty min- 
utes. The territory lying east of the line remained to 
Sir George as sole proprietor and was named East 
Jersey, while the other part w^as called West Jersey 
and was under control of Penn. 

The Quaker proprietors published a code of laws 
called the "Concessions" in March of 1676. Every- 
thing was conceded to the people. The constitution 
'■ivaled the charter of Connecticut in liberality. The 
authors of this instrument wrote to the Qiiakers in- 
viting them to this haven. The invitation was accepted 
and before twelve months had passed a colony of more 
than four hundred Friends had found homes in 
West Jersey. The agent of Andros at New Castle 
obliged the emigrants to pay duties before proceeding, 
but Sir William Jones decided that the duke of York 
had no right to collect taxes in Delaware. All claim- 
to West Jersey were then withdrawn, and the Quak 
ers w^ere left to the enjoyment of peace. The pro- 
prietors of East Jersey now made an effort to secure 



2l8 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

a deed of release from the duke of York. The peti- 
tion was granted, and the whole territory was freed 
from foreign authority. Jennings, the deputy -governor 
of West Jersey, convened the first general assembly in 
November, 1681, The Quakers met together to make 
their own laws. The *' Co^icessions''' were reaffirmed. 
Men of all races and religions were declared equal. 
The sale of ardent spirits to the red men was pro- 
hibited. Taxes should be voted by the representatives 
of the people. The lands should be acquired by 
purchase from the Indians. Imprisonment for debt 
was forbidden, and a criminal might be pardoned by 
the person against whom the offence was committed. 
William Penn and eleven other Friends purchased the 
province of East Jersey in 1682. Robert Barclay, of 
Scotland, author of the book called "Barclay's 
Apology," was appointed governor for life, and then 
came immediately a large emigration from Scotland 
of Quakers. 

In 1^85 Edmund Andros was appointed royal 
governor of the colonies from Maine to Delaware. In 
1688 the Jerseys were brought under his jurisdiction. 
When the news reached the colonies of his majesty's 
abdication, Andros was compelled to surrender, and 
his imprisonment in Boston has been already given. 
Still the condition of aflfairs in New Jersey was far 
from comfortable. There was no telling who the 
property did belong to, and from 1689 to 1692 there 
was really no settled government. Finally in April 
1702, the territory between the Hudson and Delaware 
became a royal province and New Jersey was attached 
to the government of Lord Cornbury of New York- 



NEW JERSEY. 219 

This government continued for thirty-six years and 
was then ended by the people. The representatives 
of New Jersey sent a petition in 1728 to George II 
praying for a separation of the two colonies. Ten 
years elapsed, and then the effort being renewed it 
was successful. The people of New Jersey suffered 
comparatively little from the Indians. Along the 
coast they were weak and timid, and perhaps the fact 
that they were more kindly treated than by other 
colonists had something to do with the peace. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

FOR more than a quarter of a century the Quakers 
had (previous to their arrival on American 
shores) been cruelly persecuted. In June of 
i6So the good William Penn appealed to King 
Charles for the privilege of founding a Qtiaker com- 
monv^^ealth in America, and on March 5th, 1681, a 
charter w^as granted by Charles II and William Penn 
became the proprietor of Pennsylvania. This large 
domain was bounded on the east by Delaware, ex- 
tending north and south over three degrees of latitude^ 
and westward over five degrees of longitude. The 
three counties of Delaware were reserved for the duke 
of York. In consideration of this grant Penn relin- 
quished a claim of sixteen thousand pounds against 
the English government. He declared his object to 
found a free commonwealth without respect to color, 
race or religion of the inhabitants. Among the first 
acts was to write to the Swedes in his province, in- 
viting them to keep their homes without fear of op- 
pression. Within four weeks Penn published an 
interesting account of his new country, promising 
freedom of conscience and inviting emigration. Dur- 
ing the summer three ship loads of Quakers left Eng- 
land for Pennsylvania. William Markham, the 
deputy-governor of the province, was instructed by 
Penn to deal justly with all men, and to make friends 



PENNSYLVANIA. 22 1 

of the Indians. In October Penn sent a letter to the 
natives assuring them of his brotherly affection. The 
constitution for the people was drawn up by Penn in 
the winter of 1681-82. The remarkable treaty made 
between Penn and the Indians, and which was never 
violated, was this. There was a great conference of 
tribes on the banks of the Delaware who met by in- 
vitation. Penn appeared in his simple Quaker garb. 
He said : "My friends, we have met on the broad < 
pathway of good faith. We are all one flesh and 
blood. Being brethren, no advantage shall be taken 
on either side. When disputes arise, we will settle 
them in council. Between us there shall be nothingf 
but openness and love." The chiefs replied : "While 
the rivers run and the sun shines we will live in peace 
with the children of William Penn." In December, 
1682, a general convention was held, the object being 
to complete the territorial legislation. After *this 
Penn visited Lord Baltimore to. confer about the 
boundaries of their provinces. He returned in a 
month to Chester and drew a map of his proposed 
capital. He purchased the neck of land between the 
Sckuylkill and the Delaware. In February, 1683, the 
trees were blazed that were in time to form the streets 
of Philadelphia, and the city was founded. Within a 
month a general assembly was in session in the new 
capital. A democratic form of government was 
adopted. The officers were the governor and a 
council consisting of members chosen for three years, 
and a popular assembly to be elected annually. The 
right to veto objectionable acts lay with Penn. 

The city of Philadelphia grew like a cinnamon vine. 



332 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

In 1683 there were only three or four houses. The 
ground squirrels were not at all frightened by the 
inhabitants and wild deer traversed the streets. Two 
years later there were six hundred houses. The 
school master had coine, and that greatest school mas- 
ter, the printing press. A year later and Philadelphia 
had outgrown New York.* In August of 1684 Penn 
took leave of his colony and sailed for England. All 
• was peace in the colony until the secession of Dela- 
ware in 1691, The three lower counties, which had 
been on terms of equality with the six counties of 
Pennsylvania, became dissatisfied with some acts of 
the assembly and insisted on a separation. The pro- 
prietor gave consento Delaware withdrew from the 
union and received a separate deputy-governor. 

Penn was several times imprisoned because he ad- 
hered to King James II. In 1693 his proprietary rights 
wefe taken from him and the government of Penn- 
sylvania taken from him and transferred to Governor 
Fletcher of New York. The next year the state of 
Delaware was also governed by Fletcher, and finally 
all the provinces between Connecticut and Maryland 
came undor his control. But Penn was found guilt- 
less of disloyalty and was restored to his rights. In 
December, 1699, P^^^^ came to visit his commonwealth^ 
" He found the iQwer counties in a state of hostility to 
the assembly," and attempted to make peace by draw- 
ing up a constitution still more liberal than the first ; 
but Lord Delaware would not accept the new consti- 
tution and the two provinces were set apart in 1703. 
But the following year they were reunited. 

Penn returned to England in the winter of 1701 in 



PENNSYLVANIA. 223 

order to prevent the establishing of royal government 
in all the colonies, as there was a scheme being pre- 
pared for such work. After a tiresome controversy his 
rights were restored to him, and in 1718 the good man 
went to his reward. His estates were large and valu- 
able and he bequeathed them to his three sons, John, 
Thomas and Richard ; and either by them or their 
deputies Pennsylvania was governed until the Ameri- 
can revolution. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

MARYLAND. 

WE have already learned of Captain John 
Smith's explorations of the Chesapeake, and 
of William Clayborne, an English surveyor, 
being sent out by the London Company to explore the 
country around the bay, and that by the second char- 
ter of Virginia that province included all Maryland. 
A trading post was established at Kent island some 
time in the year 1631 and a second near Havre de 
Grace. The Chesapeake was explored and a trade 
opened with the natives. The limits of Virginia was 
about to be extended to the borders of the New 
Netherland. Sir George Calvert, better known as 
Lord Baltimore, preparjed^ the way for Roman Catho- 
lics in the w^ilderness. King James granted to Lord 
Baltimore a patent for the southern part of Newfound- 
land and a colony was brought there in 1623 ; but it 
was soon evident that it could not flourish in so cold 
a climate, and so Lord Baltimore turned his eyes to 
the Chesapeake, lovely as the "vale of Cashmere." In 
1629 he went to Virginia. The general assembly 
offered him citizenship, but required an oath of alle- 
giance such as no honest Catholic could take. Lord 
Baltimore left the assembly and went directly to Lon- 
don, where he drew up a charter for a new state on 
the Chesapeake and induced King Charles to sign it. 
The provisions of the charter ^vere generous, no 



m 




^m."^,?. 



^- 







^ f ^'Jft^ 



^. 







•^ 






MARYLAND. 225 

preference being given to any particular sect of relig- 
ion. The lives and property of the colonists w^ere 
well guarded. Arbitrary taxation w^as forbidden. 
The power of making the laws lay with the people. 
But before the patent received the signature of the 
king Lord Baltimore, always a good man, was "be- 
yond the sleeping and the waking." His son Cecil 
received his title and to him the charter was issued on 
the 20th of June, 1632, and in honor of the wife of 
Charles I, Queen Henrietta Maria, the province was 
named Maryland. 

A colony of two hundred persons accompanied by- 
Leonard Calvert, brother of Lord Cecil, arrived in 
March, 1634, ^^ ^^^ Point Comfort. They ascended 
the Potomac to the mouth of Piscataway creek. They 
held a conference with the chiefs of the Indian villages 
there. The chieftain, who aCted as spokesman, told 
Calvert that his colony '-'■might stay 07' go just as they 
-pleased'^ And they concluded it was best to "stay 
not on the order of their going, but go at once.'^ 
Finding a half-deserted village, the English bought 
the town and moved into the vacant huts and called 
the place St. Mary's. 

The Indians were kindly and soon the squaws, 
taught the English women how to make corn bread, 
and the warriors taught the mysteries of hunting to 
the colonists, and for a long time there were neither 
worries nor want in the colony, and within six months; 
it was larger than Jamestown had grown in six 
years. 

February, 1633', the general assembly convened, and 
trouble began, for Clayborne on Kent island and hi& 



226 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA, 

colonists resisted Lord Baltimore's authority, and in 
1637 there was a bloody skirmish on the eastern shore 
of the bay. Some lives were lost, but Clayborne lost 
his cause, and one or two of the rebels were hung" 
Clayborne himself escaped into Virginia and was 
sent to England for trial. He appealed to the king. 
The cause was heard by parliament and they decided 
his commission to be null and void. 

In 1639 Maryland became subject to a representa- 
tive government. Before this a democracy had i'pre- 
vailed. Each freeman had been allowed his vote in 
making the laws. When the new delegates came to- 
gether a declaration of rights were adopted. All the 
liberal principles of the first patent wxre reaffirmed 
and the rights of citizenship were the same as those in 
England. 

Indian hostilities began along the Potomac in 1642, 
but as the settlement of Maryland was compact they 
did not suffer from depredations as more sparsely 
settled countries did. Clayborne after awhile came 
back and soon had everybody at war, so that Governor 
Calvert himself had to flee to Virginia. But after a 
year of lawlessness Calvert collected troops, defeated 
the rebels, and his authority was restored in 1646. 
But the mischief of Clayborne was not yet ended. In 
165 1 parliamentary commissioners caine to America 
to assume control of Maryland. Stone, the deputy of 
Baltimore, was deposed, but in a few days reinstated. 
In April of 1653 he published a proclamation declar- 
ing the interference a rebellion. Clayborne collected 
a force in Virginia, drove Stone out of office and 
directed the o^overnment himself. A Protestant 



MARYLAND. 



227 



assembly was convened at Patuxent in 1654. The 
supremacy of Cromwell was acknowledged, and the 
Catholics were deprived of the protection of the laws, 
and as a natwral consequence civil war ensued. 
Governor Stone armed the militia and took posession 
of the records of the co"'ony. Near Annapolis the battle 
was fought, and the Catholics defeated with a loss of 
fifty men. Stone was taken prisoner, but was saved 
from death by the friendship of some of the insurgents. 
Three of the Catholics were tried and executed. 
Jonas Fendall was sent out as governor of the province 
in 1656. For two years the government was divided, 
the Catholics exercising authority atSt. Marjc, . :d 
the Protestants at Leonardstown. In 1658 a compro- 
mise was effected. Fendall was acknowledged as 
governor, and then of course the acts of the Protestant 
assembly were recognized as valid. 

When Cromwell was dead Maryland was declared 
independent. The rights of Lord Baltimore were set 
aside on the 12th of March, 1660, and the whole 
power of government assumed by the house of 
burgesses. When Charles II came back to his king- 
dom Lord Baltimore was recognized, and Philip Cal- 
vert was sent out as governor. Fendall had resigned arjd 
been elected again by the people, but he was now con- 
demned for treason, but pardoned by Lord Baltimore. 

Charles Calvert was governor of Maryland from 
1675 to 1691 and the happiness of the colony was 
disturbed but once during that time. Trouble arose 
between the Catholics and Protestants, but it was 
finally settled and Lord Calvert was governor at the 
time of the revolution. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

SIR WALTER RALEIGH was the first to at- 
tempt the colonization of North Carolina. The 
country was granted to Sir Walter Heath in 
1630, but after thirty-three years it was revoked by 
the English king. The name of Carolina had been 
given to the country by John Ribault in 156^. 

Pory made explorations in 1633 and some twenty 
years later a company of Roanoke Virginians estab- 
lished a trade with the natives. But the first settlement 
w^as not]made until 165 1 on the Chowan. Lord Claren- 
tden received a grant of the land with seven other noble- 
anen — all of the country between the thirty-sixth par- 
allel and St. Johns river. William Drummond was 
chosen governor the same year arid the name given to 
the colony was Albermarle county. 

In 1665 the Indians destroyed the Puritan colony 
on Cape Fear river. Soon afterwards, however, the 
territory was bought by a company of planters from 
Barbadoes. The county of Clarendon was the title of 
this province and Sir John Yeamans its first governor. 
To Sir Ashley Cooper the work of framing the con- 
stitution was entrusted. The philosopher John Locke 
was employed by him and his associates to prepare 
the constitution. From March until July Sir John 
Locke worked steadily at his plan, which he called 
The Grand Model. It consisted of a hundred and 



NORTH CAROLINA. 229 

twenty articles, and this was only the beginning. 
The empire of Carolina was divided into districts, 
four hundred and eighty thousand acres in a district. 
The offices were divided between two grand orders of 
nobility. Though Sir John Locke was a profound 
philosopher, had he lived in these degenerate days he 
would have been known as a crank. Of course all 
attempt at establishing a new government on this 
basis failed ; but the settlers of Albermarle and 
Clarendon managed to govern themselves, and more, 
they grew prosperous by trading in staves and furs, 
and when this traffic was exhausted they moved to 
other quarters. Governor Yeamans in 167 1 was 
transferred to the new colony on Ashley river and the 
entire county of Clarendon again given up to the 
savages. Taxes were oppressive. The trade with 
New England alone cost them twelve thousand dollars 
annually. The people did not feel at all kindly to the 
government, and when in 1676 refugees from Virginia 
arrived in Carolina in great numbers the Carolinians 
felt that *' patience had ceased to be a virtue," and the 
people seized Governor Miller and his council and put 
them safely away, and had a government of their own 
with John Culpepper as governor. Three years later 
Miller and his council escaped from confinement and 
went to London. Governor Culpepper went also to 
defend himself. However, he was seized and tried 
for treason and found not guilty. 

The proprietor sent out a new governor in 1680, 
Seth Sothel, but he had the misfortune to be captured 
by pirates and it was three years before he saw the 
territory over which he was to reign. Thereafter a 



230 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

great many people would have been glad if the pirates 
had never released hijn, for he was in every way a bad 
man ; and when he grew unbearable the people 
arrested him. He begged to be tried by an assembly 
of the people and so got off with much less punish- 
ment than he deserved. Ludwell was the next gov- 
ernor and he arrived in 1689. His administration was 
one of peace. He was succeeded in 1695 by Sir John 
Archdale. Then followed the administration of Gov- 
ernor Walker, and in 1704 the attempt of Robert 
Daniel to establish the church of England. There had 
come into the new state people from Virginia and 
Maryland, Quakers from New England, Huguenots 
from France and peasants from Switzerland. JNIean- 
time the Indians were gradually wasting away. Al- 
ready some nations were extinct. Their lands were 
held by white men, sometimes honestly bought, some- 
times procured by trickery. There were remaining 
but two formidable tribes, the Corees and Tuscaroras, 
who finally became so jealous of the whites that war 
came of it. It was near midnight of the 23d of Sep- 
tember, 17 1 1. The air was balmy as summer time 
in the northern states. The settlers had no warning. 
The Indians fell upon the sleeping people in the scat- 
tered settlements and murdered a hundred and thirty 
persons. There were grave dissensions among the 
authorities, which prevented making active efforts to 
give the people protection. Kind-hearted Colonel 
Barnwell came from South Carolina with a company 
of militia and a band of friendly Indians and drove 
the savages into their fort, and a treaty of peace was 
made. But, alas, Barnwell's men passed through an 



NORTH CAROLINA. 23I 

Indian village and sacked it, and again the war was 
on. 

Colonel Moore came the next year from South 
Carolina with a regiment of white men and Indians, 
and the Tuscaroras were pursued to their fort on 
Cotentnea creek. The place was assaulted and eight 
hundred taken prisoners. The Tuscaroras abandoned 
their hunting grounds, marched across the country 
and joined their kinsmen, becoming the sixth nation 
of the Iroquois. In 1729 the Carolinas were sepa- 
rated, each receiving a royal governor. The people 
had no public institutions of learning, neither was 
there much attention to religion. There was no min- 
ister until 1703 in the whole province, and the first 
church was built in 1705. In the same year came the 
printing press. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

THE proprietors of South Carolina sent a colony 
to America in 1670 under command of Joseph 
West and William Sayle. They reached the 
main land in the country of the Savannah, but the 
emigrants did not like the appearance of the land and 
sailed up the coast as far as the mouth of Ashley 
river and entered and located the town on the first 
high land upon the southern bank and named the 
place Charleston for Charles 11. The colony was to 
be governed by Sayle, who brought his commission 
with him. Five councilors were elected by the peo- 
ple and five were appointed by the proprietors. 
Twenty delegates composing a house of representa- 
tives were chosen by the colonists and in less than 
two years the government was thoroughly established. 
But Governor Sayle died in 1671 and West took his 
place, until Sir John Yeamens, who had been governor 
of the northern province, was commissioned as chief 
magistrate of the southern colony. 

But with him came a slave ship filled with frightened 
and suffering negroes ; stolen from home and friends ; 
unused to work ; for in their land so bountiful was 
nature that there was no necessity. Here, far from 
home and friends, they were compelled to work that 
the whites might live at ease. It was only two years 
from the arrival of the first cargo till slavery was 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 233 

firmly established, and so large had been the importa- 
tions that there were two negroes for every white 
person. It was now 167 1. The land was being 
rapidly filled with settlers. Fertile lands were 
abundant. The Indians were nearly extinct. The 
proprietors, knowing of the great discontent about 
New Netherland, sent several ships to bring the peo- 
ple to the beautiful "summer land" and Charles II 
collected a company of Protestant refugees in Europe 
and sent them to Carolina to introduce the silk worm 
and cultivate the grape. 

In 1680 thirty buildings were erected in Charles- 
ton, and at once the village became the capital of 
the colony. The climate was bad and retarded the 
progress of the to\vn, but the people were energetic. 
There came at length trouble with the Nestoes 
Indians, who lived near Charleston. Violence was 
used on the border and a bounty was offered for every 
captured Indian, and when taken they were sold as 
slaves to the West Indies. For a whole year this 
strife was continued and then concluded with a treaty 
of peace. 

Scotland, Ireland, England and France now com- 
menced sending colonies to South Carolina. The 
French Huguenots were persecuted in their own 
country and came in great numbers w^here they hoped 
to obtain freedom. They were promised citizenship, 
but it was not until 1697 that all discriminations were 
removed against them. 

James Colleton became governor in 1686. He at- 
tempted to commence his administration with the con- 
stitution drawn up by Locke, but the colony was "up 



234 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

in arms." The militia was called out and the province 
declared under martial law, but things grew worse 
and worse. When William and Mary ascended the 
throne in 1689 Colleton was sent away. Seth Sothel 
straightway went to Charleston and took the reins of 
government. At first the people sustained his 
authority, but he was soon found out, and after two 
years of constant trouble he was glad to seek a calmer 
abode. It is said that he did one good act. In May, 
169 1, the Huguenots were granted equal rights. 

Philip Ludwell was the next governor. He did his 
best, but the people hated the constitution and so they 
were not satisfied. The Grand Model was annulled in 
April, 1693, and Thomas Smith appointed governor 
John Archdale superseded him. Archdale was a Qiaaker 
distinguished for wisdom and judgment, and again 
the country prospered. The quit-rents on lands were 
remitted for four years, the Indians were conciliated 
with kindness, and the persecuted Huguenots protected 
in equal rights. The whole province felt it a misfor- 
tune when this good man was recalled to England. 
James Moore was next commissioned as chief magis- 
trate. Very soon he declared war on the Spaniards 
of St. Augustine. It was voted to raise and equip 
twelve hundred men to invade Florida by land and 
water. In September, 1702, two expeditions departed, 
the land forces led by Colonel Daniel and the fleet 
commanded by the governor. The English vessels 
sailed to the St. John. Daniel went overland and 
captured St. Augustine, but the Spaniards withdrew 
into the castle, and as the besiegers had no artillery 
the castle could not be taken. Two Spanish men of 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 235 

war appearing at the mouth of the St. John, the 
English ships were blockaded and Colonel Moore 
could only withdraw his forces and retreat hastily into 
Carolina. No loss of life was recorded, but there was 
a debt contracted. The colonists were aroused. The 
governor himself led a command in December of 
1705 against the Indians. The invaders reached a 
fortified town near St. Marks, and carried it by assault. 
More than two hundred prisoners were taken and on 
the following day a large body of Indians and Span- 
iards were defeated. Kive towns were conquered in 
succession and the English flag waved over the gulf 
of Mexico. Episcopalianism was the established faith 
of the province, though freedom of belief was allowed. 

Charleston was besieged in 1706 by a French and 
Spanish fleet. The people of the capital were com- 
manded by Governor Johnson and Colonel Rhett. 
One of the French vessels, carrying eight hundred 
troops, got to shore, but retreated, losing three hun- 
dred in killed and prisoners. The siege was aban- 
doned. 

In 17 15 the Yamassees rose upon the frontier settle- 
ments and then followed a most cruel massacre of the 
people living out of the capital, and so desperate were 
the savages that they came very near the city. Gov- 
ernor Craven rallied the militia and chased the sav- 
ages to the banks of the Salkehatchie, where a decis- 
ive battle was fought and the Indians completely 
routed. Then the Yamassees collected their tribe and 
retired to Florida. 

After the war the colonists through the assembly 
petitioned the proprietors to bear a part of the ex- 



236 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

pense, but they met with a stern refusal and the proprie- 
tors would take no measures to protect the colony. The 
people, burdened with rent and taxes, were indignant 
and dissatisfied with proprietary government. In the 
election that followed every delegate was chosen by 
the popular party. This did not suit the proprie- 
tors at all, and when James Moore, the chief magis- 
trate elected by the people, was to be inaugurated 
Governor Johnson attempted to prevent the ceremony, 
but the militia collected in the public square and be- 
fore the set of sun the old form of government in 
Carolina was no more. Governor Moore was inaugu- 
rated in the name of George I. It was only a short 
time, however, till Francis Nicholson was commis- 
sioned to succeed him. He at once concluded treaties 
with the Cherokees and the Creeks. 

The year 1729 marked still another change in the 
affairs of the colony. Seven of the proprietors of 
South Carolina sold their claims to the king. The 
price paid for the two colonies by the king was 
twenty-two thousand five hundred pounds. Royal 
governors were appointed and the affairs of the colon- 
ists put upon a sound basis. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

GEORGIA. 

JAMES OGLETHORPE, famous as a philanthro- 
pist, founded the thirteenth state. In England 
the laws for debt were so stringent that thousands 
of laborers were every year imprisoned. In thousands 
of cases it was no tault of the laborer. Wages were 
so low that by constant employment only the most 
meagre food and cheapest clothing could be afforded. 
The dwellings were in fearful sanitary condition, and 
when now and then some member of the family fell 
sick the bread winner had to go to jail because he had 
no money for the doctor. Oglethorpe felt the dread- 
ful injustice of this and petitioned George II for the 
privilege of planting a colony in America. The king- 
was amiable and on the 9th of June, 1732, a charter 
was issued by which the territory between the Savan- 
nah and Altamaha rivers and west to the Pacific was 
granted to a corporation, to be held in trust for the 
poor and in honor of the king. The new province 
was named Georgia. Oglethorpe, who was not only 
a philanthropist, but a brave soldier and a member of 
parliament, was the principal member of the corpora- 
tion, and to him was the leadership entrusted. It was 
June when the charter w^as granted and in November 
following a hundred and twenty emigrants were ready 
to sail, and in January, 1733, they reached Charleston 
and were warmly welcomed. The colonists went 



238 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

further south and entered the river and February ist 
found them laying the foundations of Savannah. The 
streets were broad and soon presented a beautiful pic- 
ture. Tents and board houses were shaded by the 
magnificent pine trees. 

The Indians were very kind. The chief of the 
Yamacraws, Tomochichi, came from his home to 
visit Oglethorpe. He brought with him a present of 
a buffalo skin painted with the head and feathers of 
an eagle. "The feathers are soft and signify love ; 
the buffalo skin is the emblem of protection. There- 
fore love and protect us," said the old chieftain. 
Feeling that it would be wise to make peace with all 
the tribes, Oglethorpe invited the Muskhogees to a 
council at his capital and the conference was held on 
the 29th of May. Long King, the sachem, spoke for 
all the tribes. "The English were welcomed to the 
country." Gifts were made and the governor re- 
sponded in the kindest manner. 

Emigration was encouraged by the councilors in 
England, so that people of many nationalities came 
to the new world. Oglethorpe returned to England in 
April and took with him Tomochichi, chief of the 
Yamacraws. It was said in London that never was a 
colony so wisely founded as the Georgia colony. 
The councilors wisely prohibited the importation of 
rum, and traffic with the Indians was regulated by a 
license. Slavery was forbidden. While Oglethrope 
w^as abroad a company of Moravians arrived in 
Savannah. In February of 1736 the governor returned, 
bringing with him three hundred Moravians. They 
vs^ere a devout people, and among them was yohn 



GEORGIA. 239 

Wesley, the father of Methodism. He came hoping 
to convert the Indians and spread the gospel, but he 
found the work so different and the results of his hard 
labor so meager that in two years he returned to 
England. His brother, Charles Wesley, came as 
secretary to the governor. George Whitefield came in 
1738 and preached to all the colonists as he alone 
could preach. He saw the need of an orphan's 
home in Savannah and he went through all the 
colonies preaching and asking for help to build this 
home, and it was said that those who listened to his 
fervid eloquence could not deny him. His heart was 
in his work here, and he died in Newburyport in 1770- 
He was one of the most brilliant preachers. Franklin, 
Hume and John Newton have united in bearing 
testimony to the beauty and effectiveness of his 
oratory. It is stated in his memorandum book that in 
a period embracing thirty-four years he had preached 
upwards of 18,000 sermons. He had crossed the 
Atlantic seven times and traveled thousands of miles 
in Europe and America. And when his strength was 
failing he put himself on "short allowance," as he 
termed it, namely, preaching once every day of the 
week and thrice on Sunday. 

Oglethorpe had reason to anticipate war with 
Florida and began to fortify. All of Georgia was 
embraced in the Spanish claim, but Oglethorpe had a 
charter including all the territory as far as the Alta- 
maha. In 1736 he built a fort at Augusta, and also 
Fort Darien was located on the north bank of the 
Altamaha, and on St. Simon's Island the fortress 
erected was named Frederica. From this time the 



340 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

St. Johns was claimed as the southern boundary of 
Georgia. After he had done all he was able in this 
country he went to England for troops. 

England published a declaration of war against 
Spain in October, 1739, and in the first week of the 
following January Oglethorpe invaded Florida and 
captured two fortified towns. Returning to Charles- 
ton, he induced the assembly to support him, and with 
more than a thousand men he marched against St. 
Augustine. For five weeks they besieged the place. 
The air was full of malaria and there were many sick 
in the English camp, and the Carolina troops thought 
It was wisest to return home. The Spaniards deter- 
mined now to carry the war into Georgia and made 
^reat preparations. A fleet of thirty-six vessels carry- 
ing over three thousand troops sailed in June, 1742, 
from St. Augustine to destroy Fort William on Cum- 
iDerland island. But Oglethorpe reinforced the gar- 
rison and then fell back to Frederica, having cut a 
road which lay between a morass and the forest. 
Along this path the Spaniards must pass to attack the 
town. The Spaniards were superior in numbers, and 
so Oglethorpe resorted to stratagem. He wrote a 
letter to a French deserter in the Spanish camp telling 
him that two British fleets were coming to America 
to aid Oglethorpe, and that if the Spaniards did not 
make an immediate attack on Frederica they would 
be captured. The letter was delivered and the 
Frenchman arrested for a spy. The Spaniards scarcely 
knew what to do, but finally decided to make the 
attack. The English men were posted betw^een the 
swamp and the woods. It was the 7th of July when the 



GEORGIA. 241 

invaders reached the pass. They were fired on from 
ambush, and driven back in great confusion. The 
main body of the Spanish forces pressed on into the 
same position and for a while stood the storm, but 
when they had lost two hundred men they retreated. 
For many years this spot Was known as Bloody 
Marsh, and within a week atter the battle the Spanish 
forces were withdrawn and sailed for Florida. And 
now that the colony of Georgia was firmly established 
Governor Oi^lethorpe felt that he had fulfilled his 
commission (to establish a corporation to be held in 
trust for the poor), and when his ten years of work 
were ended he bade good-bye to his people. In the 
time he lived in America he never owned a house or 
even an acre of ground, and history fails to show us 
that his people ever misunderstood him, as many noble 
men have been. He passed the remainder of his life 
in England and lived nearly one hundred years. 

The settlers of Georgia had no titles to their lands. 
Estates could descend only to the oldest sons. The 
colonists thought that the cause of their poverty lay 
in the fact that slavery was forbidden. The proprie- 
tary laws were felt to be ill suited to the community. 
The statute against slavery was not enforced. At 
first they began by hiring slaves for short periods of 
service, then for longer ones, then for a hundred years 
(which shows how easily law may be evaded). Never 
' w^ere truer words than those of Pope : 

Vice is a monster of so frightful mein, 
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen ; 
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, 
We first endure, then pity, then embrace, 



242 FOUR KfUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Finally slaves were brought directly from Africa 
and sold to the planters below the Savannah. In 
June, 1752, the councilors surrendered their patent to 
the king. A royal government was now established 
over the country and the people were granted the 
same freedom as Englishmen. The growth of the 
state was slower than Oglethorpe hoped for, but before 
the revolutionary w^ar it had made vast strides forward. 
The marshes of South Carolina and Georgia were well 
adapted to the culture of rice. Cotton had long been 
grown by the Indians, and so had tobacco. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



IN the settlement of America the English colonized 
near the coast. France, led by Marquette and 
La Salle, colonized the interior. The "Father of 
Waters" was discovered by Marquette. The story of 
the discovery is a charming one. The French 
Catholics had established a mission for instruction of 
the Indians at a point near the outlet of Lake Superior, 
which they called St. Marys. "Fere" James Marquette 
was at the head of this mission. He was an earnest 
and devout Roman Catholic, an ardent admirer of 
nature, and a man of true heroic mould. He resolved 
to explore the Mississippi from its upper waters. To do 
so he repaired to an Indian village on the Fox river, 
which flows into Green bay. The companions he had 
selected for this enterprise (which at first glance was 
full of difficulty and peril) were his congenial com- 
panion Mr. 'Joliet, and also five hardy and ex- 
perienced Canadian boatman and two Indian guides 
to go through that wilderness never before trodden 
by white men. They took two birch canoes, which 
were close and carefully packed with needful supplies 
for cooking, hunting, fishing and sleeping. It is said 
of Marquette that he had such faith in the protection 
of God and in the friendliness of the Indians whom he 
might meet by the way that he seems to have had no 
fears of any hostile encounters. It was the mornipg 



244 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of the loth of June, 1673, when the party set out from 
Fox river. Never were there bluer skies, and as they 
carried the canoes upon their shoulders through the 
thick forest every footstep brought sweet, strange 
odors from the bruised plants. Now and then a herd 
of deer would be seen, and the air w^as vocal with 
thousands of tiny songsters. The scenery was enchant* 
ingly beautiful and greatly varied. They launched 
their canoes on the Wisconsin river's placid bosom, 
and for nearly a whole rr:oon they paddled down the 
stream five hundred miles before they reached the 
majestic "Father of Waters." They had found fish 
in abundance ; game came to the river to drink. Their 
dining room was canopied by blue skies and their 
couches were of fragrant hemlock boughs, with naught 
intervening between them and the stars. Their days 
were not all sunshine, but the dwellers in the forest 
needed no barometers to tell them of approaching 
changes in the weather, and they always had op- 
portunity to protect themselves from discomfort. 
It was the 7th of July when they entered the 
Mississippi river, at this point clear as crystal. 
Marquette writes that "when he first caught sight of 
this wonderful river flowing from the unknown unto 
the unknown, he experienced emotions of joy which 
no language could express." It was easy to be borne 
down this majestic flood, but to paddle back against 
the tide would be more than mortal man could do. 
Still they swept on. It was like fairy land. Some, 
times bold bluffs hundreds of feet in height jutted out 
into the mighty w^aters. There were crags of tremen- 
dous size and of such variety of form that some seemed 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 245 

like vast castles reared by giant hands. Then prairies 
seemingly boundless would spread out before them^ 
dotted with groves and carpeted with gorgeously hued 
flowers. There were seen vast herds of buffalo that 
set the very earth to trembling when they ran. There 
were herds of graceful antelopes. There were birds 
of large size and of hue comparable only to jewels, 
and then stretches of gloomy forest where savage 
creatures had their haunts. 

Having descended the river nearly two hundred 
miles, they saw an Indian trail so well trodden that 
they knew it must belong to a powerful tribe. 
Marquette and his companion, leaving the boatmen 
and guides on the shore, started up the trail and found 
the village some six miles from the river. They 
were seen a long way off, as it was on a 
plain, and four of the village patriarchs came to 
greet them, bearing the pipe of peace, gaily decorated. 
As the chiefs drew near they were surprised at the 
pale faces. These were the first they had seen, but 
they had heard of such people, and the French had 
shown themselves always kind and generous to the 
Indians. One of the chieftains said as he led his 
guest to a seat, "How beautiful is the sun. Frenchmen, 
when it shines upon you as you come to visit us. Our 
whole village greets you with a welcome ; you shall 
find a home in all our dwellings." Could Chesterfield 
himself have said better? 

But the English claimed America from coast to 
coast. The French had colonized the interior. Their 
habitations and little hamlets and trading posts were 
along the shores of the great lakes to the head waters 



246 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of the Wabash, the Illinois and the St. Croix, and 
then down the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico. The 
French intention had been to divide America and take 
the greater portion. We have read how cruelly the 
French were treated in Maine and other states. 
Probably the most cruel act and the one which caused 
life-long suffering was the destruction of Acadia, told 
in Longfellow's pathetic story of Evangeline, who, 
immediately after the ceremonial of betrothal, was 
ordered, as were all the Acadians, to go on board the 
English ships in the harbor, taking with them only such 
things as they could carry. And while Evangeline 
sat with her father on the sands waiting for their turn 
to be taken to the ships he died of sorrow, and the 
lonely maiden became separated from her betrothed 
he being put upon another ship ; how they spent their 
whole lives searching for each other and once were so 
near that they could have heard each other's voices, yet 
they met not till he was brought dying to the 
almshouse, where she gave her life to the sick and 
dying. 

Thus, on a Sabbath morn, through the streets, deserted and silent, 
Wending lier quiet way, she entered the door of the almshouse. 
Sweet on the summer air was the odor of flowers in the garden ; 
And she paused on her way to gather the fairest among them, 
That the dying once more might rejoice in their fragrance and beauty. 
Then, as she mounted the stairs to the corridors, cooled by the east-wind, 
Distant and soft on her ear fell the chimes from the belfry of Christ 

Church, 
While, intermingled with these, across the meadows were wafted 
Sounds of psalms that were sung by the Swedes in their church at Wicaco, 
Soft as descendii wings fell the calm of the hour on her spirit ; 
Something within her said, •• At length thy trials are ended ;" 
And, with light in her looks, she entered the chambers of sickness. 
Noiseless(y moved about the assiduous, careful attendants, 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 247 

Moistening the feverish lip, and the aching brow, and in silence 
Closing the sightless eyes of the dead, and concealing their faces, 
Where on their pallets they lay, like drifts of snow by the roadside. 
Many a languid head, upraised as Evangeline entered. 
Turned on its pillow of pain to gaze while she passed, for her presence 
Fell on their hearts like a ray of the sun on the walls of a prison. 
And, as she looked around, she saw how Death, the consoler. 
Laying his hand upon many a heart, had healed it forever. 
Many familiar forms had disappeared in the night time ; 
Vacant their places were, or filled already by strangers. 

Suddenly, as if arrested by fear or a feeling of wonder, 
Still she stood, with her colorless lips apart, while a shudder 
Ran through her frame, and, forgotten, the flowerets dropped from her 

fingers, 
And from her eyes and cheeks the light and bloom of the morning. 
Then there escaped from her lips a cry of such terrible anguish, 
That the dying heard it, and started up from their pillows. 
On the pallet before her was stretched the form of an old man. 
Long, and thin, and gray were the locks that shaded his temples ; 
But, as he lay in the morning light, his face for a moment 
Seemed to assume once more the forms of its earlier manhood ; 
So are wont to be changed the faces of those who are dying. 
Hot and red on his lips still burned the flush of the fever, 
As if life, like the Hebrew, with blood had besprinkled its portals. 
That the Angel of Death might see the sign, and pass over. 
Motionless, senseless, dying, he lay, and his spirit exhausted 
Seemed to be sinking down through infinite depths in the darkness. 
Darkness of slumber and death, forever sinking and sinking. 
Then through those realms of shade, in multiplied reverberations, 
Heard he that cry of pain, and through the hush that succeeded , 

Whispered a gentle voice, in accents tender and saint-Hke, 
•' Gabriel ! O my beloved ! " and died away into silence. 
Then he beheld, in a dream, once more the home of his childhood ; 
Green Acadian meadows, with sylvan rivers among them. 
Village, and mountain, and woodlands; and, walking under their shadow, 
As in the days of her youth, Evangeline rose in his vision. 
Tears came into his eyes ; and as slowly he lifted his eyelids, 
Vanished the vision away, but Evangeline knelt by his bedside. 
Vainly he strove to whisper her name, for the accents unuttered 
Died on his lips, and their motion revealed what his tongue would have 

spoken 
Vainly he strove to rise ; and Evangeline, kneeling beside him, 



248 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Kissed his dying lips, and laid his head on her oosom. 

Sweet was the light of his eyes ; but it suddenly sank into darkness, 

As when a lamp is blown out by a gust of wind at a casement. 

All was ended now, the hope, and the fear, and the sorrow, 
All the aching of heart, the restless, unsatisfied longing, 
All the dull, deep pain, and constant anguish of patience ! 
And, as she pressed once more the lifeless head to her bosom, 
Meekly she bowed her own, and murmured, " Father, I thank thee 1 " 

The Jesuit missionaries had established the first 
colonies and trading posts. In 1641 Lake Huron and 
Lake Superior had been explored by Charles Raym- 
bault, and in the next thirty years missions were es- 
tablished in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. In 
1673 Marquette and Joliet reached the Wisconsin and 
passed down that river and the Mississippi to the 
mouth of the Arkansas. 

In 1678 La Salle, accompanied by an Italian officer 
by the name of Tonty, left France on the 14th of June. 
He had a ship well armed and supplied, and soon 
after his arrival at Canada he built a vessel on Lake 
Erie named "The Griffin," which was the first craft 
larger than a birch bark canoe launched on these waters. 
He had a crew of forty men and sailed to Mackinaw, 
where he bought a cargo of furs of the Indians. He 
spent his all in the purchase, but the furs were so 
valuable that, had he been successful, he would have 
made a fortune by them. But the vessel was wrecked 
and La Salle was left in poverty. He remained upon 
the Illinois river, heart-sick on account of his loss. 
His keen eye saw the importance of the immense un- 
explored realms whose portals he had scarcely crossed, 
and he formed a plan of attaching them indissolubly 
to France by a line of military posts extending from 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 249 

the lakes to the gulf. To this end he built a fort near 
where Peoria stands and named it " Crevecoeur," 
" Broken-Hearted." His resources being exhausted, 
he with his three companions in mid-winter passed 
through the wilderness on foot (fifteen hundred miles) 
to Fort Frontenac in Canada, to get supplies for those 
left at Fort Broken-Hearted. He soon returned bring- 
ing men and materials for building a large strong boat,, 
to navigate unknown waters. Early in 1683 La Salle 
with his companions floated down the stream the entire 
length of the Mississippi, and in the grandeur of the 
scene and the grandeur of the work he had in view he 
forgot his own troubles ; aiid filled with tumultous joy 
he unfurled the banner of France on the shores of the 
Gulf of Mexico, and in honor of his sovereign he 
called the whole explored region Louisiana, He 
hastened back to Quebec. The voyage was long and 
very wearisome against the tide. From Quebec he 
went immediately to France. In a short time a 
colony of two hundred and eighty persons were en 
route to form a settlement on the lower Mississippi. 
The colonists sailed, but having no chart they passed 
by their destination and landed in Texas. On the 
Bay of St. Bernard La Salle erected a fort and took 
possession in the name of King Louis. This colony was 
very unfortunate, but the details are not given in his- 
tory. We know that they were threatened with famine 
and that La Salle formed the heroic plan of marching 
through to Canada (two thousand miles) ; that he 
started, and some of his men mutinied, and killed him. 
The colonists left behind were nearly all massacred 
excepting a few children, who were taken captive. 



250 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA.' 

Very soon another French expedition started for 
the mouth of the Mississippi under the command of 
D'Iborville. He entered the river and ascended for 
several hundreds of miles, making forts at different 
points. The French government v^ith increasing 
vigor pushed forward its enterprise of establishing 
military posts at all points of strategic importance in 
that vast realm. There were forts on the lakes and 
strong forts on the Illinois, the Maumee, the Ohio 
(then called the Wabash), and the Mississippi. Buf 
the most ^ beautiful of all the bounteous land they 
found in the valley of the Ohio, as they called all 
lands drained by the "beautiful river," which is now 
divided into many states. 

England became extremely jealous of the "encroach- 
ments of the French." She claimed the whole coun^ 
try because her people had settled the coast. France 
claimed the territory drained by the great waters 
which the Frenchmen were the first to explore. Both 
nations, however, were willing to allow the Indian 
some rights to his own hunting grounds. 

News of the French settlements in what is now 
the state of Ohio having reached the Virginia 
colonists, a party of them joined themselves into a 
body known as the "Ohio Company" and in March of 
1749 they received a grant from George II oi Jive hun- 
dred thousand acres between the Kanawha and the 
Monongahela, and the next season sent out a survey- 
ing party under Christopher Gist. It required a 
journey of several hundred miles through mountainous 
ridges and deep valleys, with only the paths of buffalos 
and the trails of the Indians to guide them. They 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 25I 

were a long time on the journey and returned to 
Virginia in 1751. The French in the meantime were 
by no means idle. They built Fort le Boeuf on 
French creek and Fort Venango on the Alleghany. 
About the same time the country south of Ohio was 
explored by Gist and a company of armed surveyors 
(among whom was Daniel Boone). In 1753 a road 
was opened by the English from Will's creek through 
the mountains and a small colony settled on the You_ 
ghiogheny. Among the Indians there was great un- 
easiness. The allegiance w^as uncertain. The French 
had been kind to them, but the English were the most 
powerful. The Miami tribes under the leadership of 
Half-King met in the spring of 1753 with Benjamin 
Franklin at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and made a treaty 
with the English. Governor Dinwiddie determined 
to try a final remonstrance with the French before 
proceeding to war, so a pape^ was drawn up setting 
forth the English claim to the valley of the Ohio and 
warning the authorities of France against further in- 
trusion. The young surveyor who was asked to carry 
the paper from Williamsburg to General St. Pierre at 
Presque Isle on Lake Erie was George Washington. 
It was the last day in October — "Halloween" in the 
old country — 1753, when this young man, accompanied 
by four comrades, an interpreter and Christopher Gist 
as guide, started on the long, cold journey. They 
reached the Youghiogheny and then floated down the 
stream to Pittsburgh. At Logstown Washington held 
a council with the Indians, and then hurried forward 
to Venango, thence by foot to Fort le Boeuf. Here 
the conference was held with St. Pierre. Washing- 



253 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

ton was received with courtesy, but the French 
general would not enter into discussion with him. He 
said he was acting under military instructions, and 
would eject every Englishman from the valley of the 
Ohio. Washington retired as courteously as he had 
been received, and returned to Venango. Then with 
Gist as his sole companion he left the river and was 
soon lost to sight in the forest. He wore the robe of 
an Indian ; he slept on a bed of frozen pine boughs ; 
his robe was often frozen stiff; he took the north star 
for his guide ; was fired at by prowling savages from 
coverts ; lodged on one of the islands in the Alle- 
ghany until the river was frozen so he could cross ; and 
again took to the forest. The young man on whom 
so much in after years would depend returned safe 
and well to the capital of Virginia, where he laid the 
reply of St. Pierre before the governor. 

Meanwhile the Ohio Company had sent out thirty- 
three men commanded by Captain Trent to erect a 
fort at the source of the Ohio, the junction of the 
Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, just below the site 
of Pittsburgh. There the first block house was built, 
and so they held the key to the Ohio valley. 

It was only a short time before French boats came 
down the river and forced the surrender. Washing- 
ton had been sent to Alexandria to enlist recruits, but 
all too late to save Trent's men from capture. The 
French occupied the fort and strengthened it, built bar- 
rack3 and laid the foundation of Fort du Qiiesne. To 
retake this fort the young surveyor, now Colonel Wash- 
ington, set out from Will's creek in May, 17=^4. Wash- 
ington with his handful of Virginian soldiers was com- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 253 

missioned to build a fort at the source of the Ohio and 
"to repel all who interrupted the English settlement in 
that country." In April they left Will's creek. They 
were obliged to drag their cannons. The roads were 
wretched, the hills many. There were no bridges, 
and their provisions very scanty. On the 26th of 
May the English reached the great meadows, and here 
Washington learned that the French were on their 
way to attack him. He caused a stockade to be im- 
mediately erected which he named Fort Necessity. 
After a conference with the Mingo chiefs he deter- 
mined to be the aggressor. Two Indians followed 
the trail of the enemy and discovered their place of 
concealment. The French, on the alert, flew to arms. 
Washington commanded his soldiers to fire and that 
was a volley whose echoes were heard wherever 
there was a French settlement. The engagement was 
short and sharp. Jumonville, the French commander, 
and ten of his soldiers slept the long sleep, and 
twenty-one were taken prisoners. Not an English- 
man was lost, but the commander wisely returned to 
Fort Necessity and waited for reinforcements. But 
one company of volunteers came, but this encampment 
in the wilderness was not an idle one, for under Wash- 
ington's direction a road was cut for twenty miles in 
the direction of Fort du Quesne. He was expecting 
Indians to join him from the Muskingum and Miami, 
but they did not come. He scarcely could number 
four hundred in his whole command, and learning 
that General De Villiers, commanding the French 
forces, was approaching he abandoned the road making 
and wended his way back to Fort Necessity. He 



254 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMEitlCA. 

wasted no time in getting back and had scarcely got 
safely there when the regiment of De Villiers came in 
sight and immediately surrounded the fort, which was 
on low ground. The French posted themselves on an 
eminence where they could look down into the fort 
and shoot with fatal effect. The Indians climbed into 
the tree tops and for nine hours a shower of leaden 
drops fell upon Washington's command. Seeing it 
was impossible to hold out until relief might come, 
Washington accepted the terms they offered him and 
on the 4th of July marched out of the fort and with- 
drew the garrison from the country. 

Meantime an assembly of congress of the American 
colonies was being held at Albany. The first object 
was to bring about a treaty with the Iroquois Indians. 
The convention next considered how best the colonies 
might become a united government. Benjamin 
Franklin presented the draft of a constitution, which 
was finally adopted on the loth of July. Philadel- 
phia was. to be the capital. The chief executive was 
to be a governor appointed by the king. Each colony 
should be represented in congress by not less than two 
or more than seven representatives. Copies of the 
constitution were transmitted to the several colonies, 
but in every instance the movement was received with 
disfavor. The English ministers' also rejected it, say- 
ing that " the Americans were trying to make a gov- 
ernment of their own." 

During this time the French were making active 
preparations for war. General Braddock arrived in 
America on the 14th of April, and met the governors 
of the colonies at Alexandria. The plans of four cam- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 255 

palgns were agreed on. Lawrence of Nova Scotia 
was to complete the' conquest of that province ; Gov- 
ernor Johnson of New York was to capture Crown 
Point ; Shirley of Massachusetts was to take Fort 
Niagara ; Braddock himself was to lead the main 
army against Fortdu Quesne. 

General Braddock, commanding two thousand vet- 
erans, set out from Alexandria to Fort Cumberland 
in the latter part of April. He was joined by a 
few provincial troops. Washington became an aide- 
de-camp of Braddock, and as he was well acquainted 
with the savage mode of warfare he gave good advice 
to the British general, who invariably rejected it, and 
consequently, though he proudly marched at the head 
of twelve hundred chosen troops, he was obliged to 
retreat with a loss of twenty-six out of the eighty-two 
officers, and of the twelve hundred men seven hundred 
and fourteen were dead. The British soldiers never 
saw the enemy who were hidden among trees and 
stones. The next day the Indians returned to Fort 
du Quesne clad in the red coats and gold lace of the 
dead officers. Braddock was carried in the train of 
the fugitives. He died on the evening of the fourth 
day. The fugitives did not rest at Dunbar's camp. 
The artillery, baggage and stores had been destroyed. 
They beat a hasty retreat to Fort Cumberland and 
finally to Philadelphia. 

The second campaign was the driving of the French 
colonists from their homes and the destruction of prop- 
erty by burning. The third campaign planned by 
Braddock was to be conducted by Shirley against 
Fort Niagara. He set out for the scene of action 



256 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

from Albany with two thousand men. They spent 
four weeks at Owego in making their boats. Then 
high winds prevailed and sickness broke out in camp. 
The Indians deserted the English and on the 24th ot 
October the force, still headed by Shirley, marched 
homeward. The fourth expedition, led by General 
William Johnson, was to capture Crown Point and to 
drive the French from Lake Champlain. They 
started early in August and proceeded to Lake George 
and laid out their camp. A week was spent in bring- 
ing their artillery and stores forward. Before reach- 
ing Lake George they had built Fort Edward on the 
Hudson above Albany. Dicskau, the French com- 
mandant at Crown Point, came with fourteen hundred 
French Canadians and Indians to capture Fort 
Edward. General Johnson ordered Colonel Williams 
and the Mohawk chief Hendrick to relieve the fort, 
taking with them twelve hundred men. But the 
relief party were ambushed by Dieskau's forces and 
driven back to Johnson's camp. The Canadians and 
French soldiers, unsupported by the Indians, then 
attacked the fort, and for five hours the rain of bullets 
was incessant. Nearly all of Dieskau's men were 
killed. At last the English troops charged across the 
field and routed them. The French general was mor- 
tally wounded. Two hundred and sixteen English 
were killed. General Johnson now constructed Fort 
William Henry on the site of the camp. The French 
during this time were fortifying Ticonderoga. This 
was at the close of 1755. The next year the command 
of the English soldiers was given to Governor Shirley. 
Washington at the head of the Virginian soldiers had 



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FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 25/ 

repelled the French and Indians in the Shenandoah. 
Franklin had been chosen commander of the Pennsyl- 
vania forces and built a fort on the Lehigh river and 
made a successful campaign. The expeditions which 
had been laid out for the year were the conquest of 
Quebec and the capture of Forts Frontenac, Toronto, 
Niagara and du Quesne. The command of the British 
forces was put in the hands of the Earl of Loudoun, 
General Abercrombie being second in command. In 
the last of April the general w^ith two battalions of 
regulars sailed for New York and on the 17th of May 
after two years of provincial war, Great Britain de- 
clared war against France. 

It was July when Lord Louaoun took command 
of the Colonial army. The French, led by Montcalm, 
who succeeded Dieskau, besieged and captured Oswego. 
It was a valuable capture. Six vessels of war, three 
hundred boats, a hundred and twenty cannon, and 
three chests of money was their spoil. It was during- 
this summer that the Dela wares in western Pennsyl- 
vania rose in war and captured or killed more than a 
thousand people. In August Colonel Armstrong" 
with three hundred volunteers marched against the 
Indian to^vn of Kittanning and on the 8th of Septem- 
ber gained a victory over them and burned their town. 
On the 20th of June, 1757, Lord Loudoun, with an 
army of six thousand regulars, sailed from New York: 
to capture Louisburg. At Halifax Admiral Holburn 
joined him with a fleet of sixteen men of war, and 
on board were five thousand troops from the armies of 
England. But Loudoun, instead of going at once to 
Cape Breton, must wait awhile at Halifax and then 



258 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

sailed back to New Tork without so much as looking 
at Louisburg. The daring French leader Montcalm 
with over seven thousand French Canadians and 
Indians advanced against Fort William Henry and 
for six days besieged it. There vv^as no more ammuni- 
tion in the garrison and so the fort was surrendered. 
The commander was Colonel Monro and there were 
five hundred English soldiers, but of what avail were 
they without ammunition. Honorable terms were 
granted to them by the French commander, who took 
possession on the 9th of August. The Indians came 
upon a quantity of spirits, left by the English, and in 
spite of Montcalm they fell upon the prisoners and 
massacred thirty ot them. 

During this year France had been so successful that 
not an English village remained in the basin of the 
St. Lawrence. Every cabin belonging to an English- 
man was destroyed in the Ohio valley, and at the 
close of the year 1757 France possessed twenty times 
as much land in America as England,. 

Loudoun was deposed from the command ot the 
American army. General Abercrombie was appointed 
to succeed him. William Pitt was at the head of the 
English ministry. Admiral Boscawen was put in 
command of the fleet, and General Amherst was to 
lead a division. Young Lord Howe was next in rank 
to Abercrombie. James Wolfe led a brigade and 
Colonel Richard Montgomery was at the head of a 
regiment. Three expeditions were planned for 1758 — 
one to capture Louisburg, a second to take Ticonderoga 
and Crown Fomt, and the third to retake Fort 
du Quesne, captured by the French the year before. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 259 

Amherst with ten thousand men reached Halifax on 
the 28th of May. Six days later the fleet was anchored 
before Louisburg. On the 21st of July three French 
vessels were burned in the harbor. The town was re- 
duced to ashes. On the 28th Louisburg capitulated. 
Cape Breton and Prince Edward's island surrendered 
to Great Britain, and six thousand men of the garrison 
became prisoners of war. It was the 5th of July when 
General Abercrombie with fifteen thousand men 
marched against Ticonderoga. The country about 
the fort was very unfavo able to military operation. 
They came upon the French pickets three mornings 
later. A sharp skirmish ensued. The French were 
overwhelmed and Lord Howe ^vas killed in the early 
part of the contest. The English division had ar- 
ranged to carry Ticonderoga by assault. The battle 
for four hours was terrible. About six in the evening 
the English were driven back. The English loss in 
killed and wounded was nineteen hundred and sixteen 
This was a greater loss than befell the English in any 
battle during the revolution. 

The defeated English now retreated to Fort George 
Not long afterward Colonel Bradstreet with three 
thousand men was sent to take Fort Frontenac, on 
Lake Ontario. The place was poorly defended and 
capitulated after two days' siege, and the fortress was- 
destroyed. This success overbalanced the failure at . 
Ticonderoga. 

General Forbes marched with nine thousand 
men against Fort du Quesne late in the summer. 
Washington led the provincial army. The main body 
moved slowly, but General Grant with the advance 



36o FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

pressed on to within a few miles of the fort. Advanc- 
ing as other English commanders had, he was like them 
ambushed and lost fully one-third of his force. On 
the 24th ot November Washington was within ten 
miles of du Quesne. During the night the garrison 
took alarm, set fire to the fort and floated down the 
Ohio. On the 25th the victorious army marched in, 
raised the English flag and named the place Pitts- 
burgh. 

And now General Amherst was promoted to be 
commander-in-chief of American forces. In the be- 
ginning of the summer of 1759 the combined British 
and American forces numbered about fifty thousand 
men. The ^vhole French army was not much more 
than seven thousand. Three campaigns were planned 
for this year — General Prideaux to conduct an ex- 
pedition against Niagara, Amherst to lead the main 
division against Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and 
General Wolfe to proceed up the St. Lawrence against 
the city of Qiiebec. 

Niagara was invaded by Prideaux on the loth of 
July. The French General D'Aubry marched to the 
relief of the fort with twelve hundred men. General 
Prideaux was killed on the 15th by the bursting of a 
mortar. Sir William Johnson succeeded in command 
and placed his forces to intercept the approaching 
French army. D'Aubry's army came in sight on the 
morning of the 24th. There was a desperate fight. 
The French were completely routed, and the next day 
Niagara surrendered, and the French force of more 
than six hundred became prisoners of war, and at the 
same time Amherst was marching with an army of 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 261 

eleven thousand men against Ticonderoga. On the 
22nd of July the forces were disembarked where 
Abercrombie had landed. The French did not dare 
to stand before such an overwhelming force, and on 
the 26th the garrison, having partly destroyed the 
fort, abandoned it and retreated to C:own Point. 
Five days later this point was deserted and the united 
forces entrenched themselves on Isle-aux-Noix, in the 
Sorel river. 

Early in the spring General Wolfe began ascending 
the St. Lawrence. He had a force of almost eight 
thousand men, assisted by a fleet of forty-four vessels. 
The entire force arrived at the Isle of Orleans, four 
miles below Quebec, on the 27th of June. The Eng- 
lish camp was pitched at the upper end of the island. 
Wolfe's vessels gave him command of the river, and 
the southern bank was undefended. General Monck- 
ton was sent to seize Point Levi the night of the 29th. 
The lower town was soon in ruins, and the upper 
town badly injured, but the fortress remained 
impregnable. General Wolfe crossed the north chan- 
nel and encamped on the east bank of the Montmo- 
renci the 9th of July. This river at low water was 
fordable. A severe battle was fought at the fords of 
the river on the 31st and the English driven back 
with heavy loss. After losing nearly five hundred 
men Wolfe withdrew to his camp. But the exposure 
and fatigue threw him into a fever and for many days 
he was confined to his bed in his tent. A council of 
officers was held and the man of indomitable spirit 
proposed a second assault ; but this was overruled. 
They concluded to ascend the St. Lawrence and climb 



Z62 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the Plains of Abraham behind the city. So the lower 
camp was broken up and on September 6th the troops 
were carried to Point Levi. Wolfe then took his 
army quite a distance up the river, he meantime busy- 
ing himself with an examination of the northen bank, 
hoping to find some pathway up the frowning cliffs 
to the plains in the rear of Quebec. On the evening 
of September 12th the English entered their boats and 
silently dropped down the river to a place called 
Wolfe's Cove. It was with great difficulty that the 
soldiers climbed the precipitous cliff. The Canadian 
guard on the summit was dispersed, and at the dawn 
of day Wolfe got his army into battle array. Mont- 
calm was astonished when the news was brought him 
and he ordered his soldiers from the trenches on the 
Montmorenci to be thrown between Quebec and the 
English. The battle began with terrific cannonading, 
and then Montcalm attempted to turn the English 
flank, but was driven back, and the Canadians and 
Indians routed and the French regulars were thrown 
into great confusion. Wolfe, in the lead, was 
wounded in the wrist, but never halted. At the de- 
cisive moment he fell, pierced through the breast with 
a bullet. "They run, they run," cried a soldier. 
** Who run ? " " The French are flying everywhere,*' 
said his attendant. " Do they run already ? Then I die 
happy." Montcalm in a vain attempt to rally his 
forces received his death wound. " Shall I survive ? " 
he asked the surgeon. "But a few hours at most," 
was the reply. " So much the better," said the dying 
hero. *'I shall not live to witness the surrender of 
Quebec." It was five days later when Quebec sur- 



FRENCH AXD INDIAN -WAR. 263 

J endered and an English garrison was stationed in the 
citadel. 

The next spring France made an effort to recover 
her loss, but it was unavailing, and on the 8th of Sep- 
tember Montreal, the last important post of the 
French, surrendered to General Amherst, and Canada 
became an English province. 

The Cherokees of Tennessee rose against the 
English in the spring of 1760. Fort Loudoun 
in the north-east part of the state was be- 
sieged by the Indians and forced to surrender. 
Honorable terms were promised, but as soon as the 
surrender was over the garrison w^as massacred, so 
General Amherst sent Colonels Montgomery and 
Grant to punish the savages, and after a hard cam- 
paign they were driven into the mountains and com- 
pelled to beg for peace. 

For full three years the war between France and 
England was continued on the high seas, but the 
English fleets were always victorious. A treaty of 
peace was concluded on the loth of February, 1763, at 
Puris. All the French possessions in North America 
east of the Mississippi from its source to the river 
Iberville, and thence through lakes Maurepas and 
Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico, were surrendered 
to Great Britain, and at the same time Spain, with 
whom England had been at war, ceded east and west 
Florida to the English crown. And so America be- 
longed to England from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

EVERYTHING tended to freedom of thought and 
speech in the new country. The right of arbitrary 
government was claimed by Great Britain and 
always contested by the colonists. Witness the many 
kinds of government enforced upon the colonies, but all 
attempts to find the right one were unavailing. Ever 
since the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 until 1775 
there was ever an agitation of the question. The 
influence of France, it is true, had something to do 
with it. The French hoped in ceding Canada to 
Great Britain that it might secure the independence 
of America. But England feared American independ- 
ence so much that it was even proposed in parlia- 
met to re-cede Canada to France, so that the growth of 
American states might be checked. The American 
people were at heart republicans ; the English were 
monarchists. The king had never shown his face to 
his American subjects, and so many royal officers had 
been tyrants and most dishonorable men that America 
had seen enough of foreign institutions, and for some 
time the colonists had managed matters to suit them- 
selves and found the system a great improvement on 
the old way. 

The matter was discussed, and in 1755 John Adams, 
then a young school teacher, wrote in his diary, "In 
another century all Europe will not be able to subdue 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 265 

US. The only way to keep us from setting up for 
ourselves is to disunite us." And another cause of the 
revolution w^as the fact that, bad and dissolute as 
former kings had been, George III vv^as worst of all. 
He was a man without reason. He was stupid and 
dull, and stubborn as such a man in such a place could 
be, and his ministers were most of them of the same 
pattern. It was in America like the gathering of a 
great storm. Some clouds were dark and flew fast 
and others were little mutterings of thunder, and then 
the sun would shine out, but the clouds would spring 
up in another quarter and the atmosphere was grow- 
ing thicker, and the thunder grew louder, and the wind 
moaned through the trees. And then when the im- 
portation act came in i733> exacting exorbitant duties 
on the things they thought could not be produced in 
America ; and in i7s'o forbidding that iron or steel 
should be made in this country ; and then that pine 
trees outside the door yard should not be cut down ; 
and a year later, when writs of assistance were issued 
to enable the king's officers to look through every 
house for goods that might have been smuggled in 
without duty ; and, worst of all, when the stamp act 
was enforced, allowing persons to write legal 
documents on nothing but stamped paper and pay a 
tremendous price for the stamping, too, then the 
clouds came together and the lightning and thunder 
v/AS like that of the Hymalayan mountains. 

The news of this abominable outrage roused right- 
eous wrath. The bells of Philadelphia and Boston 
rang a funeral peal. In New York a copy of the 
stamp act was carried though the streets, with a 



266 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

death's head nailed to it, and a placard with the in- 
scription, " The folly of England and the ruin of 
America.'''' There were many old loyalists among the 
members of the assemblies, but the younger represen- 
tatives had no hesitation in expressing their sentiments. 
In the Virginia house of burgesses the scene was one 
that will be rehearsed as long as patriotism exists. 
Patrick Henry was the youngest member of the house, 
and he with old-time courtesy waited for some older 
delegates to lead in opposition to parliament. But 
the older members said naught. Some of them even 
went home. Offended beyond measure at the cring- 
ing aspect of the assembly, he tore from an old law 
book a blank leaf and drew up a series of resolutions, 
declaring that the Virginians w^ere Englishmen w^ith 
English rights ; that the colonists were not bound to 
yield obedience to any law imposing taxation on 
them ; and that whoever said the contrary was an 
enemy to the country. The debate that ensued was 
violent. Washington and Thomas Jefferson were 
among the audience. Washington was a delegate, 
Jefferson was a student. Henry's eloquence over- 
powered the opposition. "Csesar had his Brutus,' 
said he; "Charles I had his Cromwell, and George 
in — " " Treason^ treason,^'' cried the loyalists, 
springing to their feet. " — And George III may proiit 
by their example," continued Henry, and then added, 
"If that be treason, make the most of it." 

The resolutions were put to the house and carried, 
but on the next day, Henry not being present, the 
most violent paragraph was repealed. In the assem- 
blies of New York and Massachusetts similar resolu- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 267 

tions were adopted. James Otis proposed an Ameri- 
can congress and it was held in New York on the 7th 
of October, nine of the colonies being represented. 
Timothy Ruggles of Massachusetts was president. 

A declaration of rights was adopted setting forth 
that the American colonists as Englishmen could not 
consent to be taxed but by their own representatives. 
Memorials were sent to parliament and a petition to 
the king. 

The stamp act was to take effect on the ist of No- 
vember. Great quantities of the stamped paper had 
been sent to America, but everywhere it was rejected 
or destroyed. At first all legal business was suspended. 
The court houses were shut up, and riot even a mar- 
riage license could be legally issued without using the 
abhorred paper. But it was not long till the offices 
were opened, and business went on just as it had be- 
fore. But no stamped paper was used. The mer- 
chants of Boston, New York and Philadelphia entered 
into a compact to purchase no more goods of Great 
Britain until the stamp act should be repealed. There 
were eminent statesmen in England who espoused the 
cause of America. In the house of commons the 
eloquent Mr. Pitt delivered a powerful address. He 
said, "You have no right to tax America. I rejoice 
that America has resisted. '* On the i8th of March 
the stamp act was repealed, but at the same time 
resolutions were added declaring that parliament had 
the right to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever. 
The repeal of the stamp act brought joy to both Eng- 
land and America. In a few months a new cabinet 
was formed with Pitt at its head, but while he was 



268 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

confined at home by sickness Mr. Townshend took the 
opportunity to bring about a new scheme for taxing 
the colonists. On the 29th of June, 1767, an act was 
passed imposing a duty on glass and tea, painters' 
colors and paper. Then America was vexed beyond 
endurance, and another agreement was entered into 
by all American merchants not to purchase British 
goods. Newspapers were filled with denunciations 
of parliament. 

Early in 1768 the assembly of Massachusetts 
adopted a circular calling upon other colonies for assist- 
ance to obtain redress of grievances. But the minis- 
ters thought this a dreadful proceeding and asked the 
assembly to rescind their action, and more, to express 
'■'• regret for their rash and hasty proceeding.^"* 

In June a sloop was seized by Boston custom house 
officers. Her captain was charged with evading pay- 
ment of duty. In these days the gathering would 
have been called a mob which attacked the houses of 
the officers, \vho were glad to seek safety in Castle 
William. General Gage was ordered to bring from 
Halifax a regiment of regulars to overawe these 
audacious persons. The regiment arrived October ist 
— seven hundred of them — and with fixed bayonets 
they paraded into the capital of Massachusetts. In 
February, 1769, the people of Massachusetts were de- 
clared rebels and the governor was ordered to arrest 
those suspected and send them to England for trial. 
The general assembly met this order with defiant 
resolutions. Similar action was taken by other 
assemblies. 

In North Carolina Governor Try on attempted to 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 269 

suppress an insurrection, but the insurgents fled across 
the mountains and founded the state of Tennessee. 

The soldiers in New York early in 1770 cut down a 
liberty pole which stood in the park. There was a 
brisk little fight over it and the colonists won. 

On the 5th of March a serious difficulty occurred in 
Boston. Captain Preston's company of the city 
guards were surrounded and hooted at and dared to 
fire. But the soldiers were not to be dared, and after 
a little delay fired a volley into the thickest of the 
crowd. Three citizens were killed and several were 
wounded. This is the Bosto7i ?nassacre. Captain 
Preston and his company were arrested and tried for 
murder and two of the company were committed for 
manslaughter. 

Parliament now was generous to revoke taxes on 
everything but tea^ and the people to whom tea was 
their sole dissipation said. We will use no more tea till 
the duty shall be unconditionally repealed. 

In 1772 an act was passed that the salaries of 
the officers of Massachusetts should be paid without 
consent of the assembly. About this time a royal 
schooner anchored at Providence. Her name was the 
Gaspee. She looked wicked. A band of patriots 
boarded her, and some way she got burned up before 
she had been there long enough to do any mischief 
In 1773 parliament removed the export duty on tea 
shipped from England, which lowerd the price of it 
so much that they thought that when the cheaper tei 
w^as offered in America it would be bought up at once 
without question of import duty. Ships were loaded 
with tea for America. It is true it reached American 



370 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

shores, but was not used as it had been heretofore. 
The ship load which came to Charleston, S. C, was 
stored in musty cellars, and as nothing more quickly 
ruins tea than bad odors it was entirely spoiled. At 
New York and Philadelphia the ships were forbidden 
to enter, and Boston authorities would not allow the 
cargo landed. On December i6th there was a large 
town meeting and seven thousand people attended. 
Adams and Qiiincy both spoke to the crowd. Even- 
ing came on and the meeting was about to adjourn, 
Avhen a war whoop rang through the air. Fifty men 
disguised as Indians walked quickly to the wharf 
where the ships containing the tea were riding at 
anchor. These apparent Indians boarded the ships 
and with great speed and strength unloaded these 
vessels with a swiftness not since equalled. Three 
hundred and forty chests of tea were dumped into the 
bay, regardless of the old injunction, "Unless the 
tea kettle boiling be, filling the tea pot spoils the tea." 

Parliament at once took measures for revenge. The 
Boston post bill was passed March, 1774. It enacted 
that no kind of merchandise should any longer be 
landed or shipped to Boston wharves. The custom 
house w^as removed to Salem, but the people of Salem 
would not have it in their town either. The people of 
Marblehead gave free use of their warehouses to the 
Boston merchants. 

When it was known in Virginia that the post bill 
had been passed the burgesses entered a protest on 
their journal. Governor Dunmore, a strong loyalist, 
dismissed the assembly and instructed them to go to 
their homes, but they continued their meeting at 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27 1 

another house, without asking permission from the 
governor, either. 

The 20th of May parliament annulled the charter of 
Massachusetts. The people were declared rebels, and 
the governor was ordered to send abroad for trial all 
persons who should resist the officers. 

The second colonial congress assembled at Philadel- 
phia. Eleven colonies were represented. One address 
was sent to the king ; another to the English nation ; 
and another to the people of Canada. A resolution 
was adopted to suspend all commercial intercourse 
with Great Britain ; and parliament retaliated by 
ordering General Gage to reduce the colonists by force. 
A fleet and ten thousand soldiers were sent to his 
assistance. The British at once seized Boston Neck 
and fortified it. The stores at Cambridge and Charles- 
town were carried to Boston, and the general assembly 
received orders to disband. But ordering and being 
obeyedj, parliament soon learned, was not one and the 
same thing. Instead of disbanding, the members 
voted to equip an army of twelve thousand men for 
defence. 

No sooner were the intentions of General Gage 
known than the people of Boston began to remove 
their ammunition to Concord. They put it in carts 
and carefully hid the contents from view. But of 
course there was some tale bearer who carried the 
news to General Gage. He despatched eight hun- 
dred men to Concord to capture the stores on the 
night of the i8th of April The plans of the British 
were made with great secrecy, but every movement 
was watched, and this was the signal : If any move- 



272 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

ment appeared among them, Paul Revere had said 
to William Dawes : 

• "If the British march 

By land or sea from the town to-night, 
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch 
Of the North Church tower as a signal light, — 
One, if by land, and two, if by sea ; 
And I on the opposite shore will be. 
Ready to ride and spread the alarm 
Through every Middlesex village and farm, 
For the country folk to be up" and to arm.'* 
********* 

Meanwhile, his friend, through alley and street. 
Wanders and watches with eager ears, 
Till in the silence around him he hears 
T^he muster of men at the barrack doors. 
The sound of arms, and the tramp of feet, 
And the measured tread of the grenadiers. 
Marching down to their boats on the shore. 

Then he climbed the tower of the Old North Church 

By the wooden stairs, with stealthy tread, 

To the belfry-chamber overhead, 

And startled the pigeons from their perch 

On the sombre rafters, that round him made 

Masses and moving shapes of shade, — 

By the trembling ladder, steep and tall. 

To the highest window in the wall, 

Where he paused to listen and look dovni 

A moment on the roofs of the town. 

And the moonlight flowing over all. 

****«»*«« 

For suddenly all his thoughts are bent 
On a shadowy something far away. 
Where the river widens to meet the bay, — 
A line of black that bends and floats 
On the rising tide, like a bridge of boats. 

Meanwhile, impatient to mount and ride. 
Booted and spurred, with a heavy stride 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27J 

On the opposite shore walked Paul Revere, 
********* 

But mostly he watched with eager search 
The belfry-tower of the Old North Church, 
As it rose above the graves on the hill, 
Lonely and spectral and sombre and still. 
And lo ! as he looks, on the belfry's height 
A glimmer, and then a gleam of light ! 
He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns, 
But lingers and gazes, till full on his sight 
A second lamp in the belfry burns! 

A hurry of hoofs in a village street, 
A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark, 
And beneath, from the pebbles, in passing, a spark 
Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet : 
That was all ! And yet, through the gloom and the light, 
^ The fate of a nation was riding that night ; 

And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight, 
Kindled the land into flame with its heat. 

It was two in the morning when a hundred and 
thirty minute men were on the common of Lexington, 
ready for the fray. It was five o'clock when Pitcairn 
with his troops came in sight. The minute men were 
led by Captain Parker. With scant courtesy Pitcairn 
rode up and exclaimed, "Disperse, ye villains ! Throw 
down your arms !" The minute-men were immovable, 
and Pitcairn cried "Fire!" The first volley of the 
revolution was fired, and sixteen patriots fell dead 
or wounded. The rest fired a few shots and dispersed. 
The British hurried to Concord, but the stores were 
already in a place of safety, and little harm was done. 
While the British were ransacking the town the 
minute men came upon a body of British soldiers 
guarding the north bridge. The officers of the minute 
men gave command to fire upon them. Two were 



274 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

killed and they began retreating to Lexington, six 
miles away, and all the six miles the battle kept up- 
On the road, hidden behind fences and barns, the 
patriots poured a constant shower of lead into the 
British ranks. Once it seemed as though the whole 
British force would be compelled to surrender. The 
American loss was forty-nine killed, thirty-four 
wounded, five missing. The British loss was two 
hundred and seventy-three. 

A few days later and the "spark kindled by the fire" 
of Lexington had touched the heart of every colonist, 
and twenty thousand were near Boston. FromRoxbury 
to Chelsea a line of entrenchment was draw^n. It was 
the intention to drive Gage into the sea. John Stark 
came down from New Hampshire with tjie militia. 
Israel Putnam, with leathern waistcoat on, not 
stopping to change his clothes, hurried to the nearest 
town, mounted a horse and rode to Cambridge, one 
hundred ??ziles, in eighteen hours. Rhode Island sent 
her men, commanded by Nathaniel Greene, and the 
provincials of New Haven came with Benedict 
Arnold. Ethan Allen with two hundred and seventy 
men marched against Ticonderoga. Benedict Arnold 
went with the expedition as a private. The force 
reached Lake George opposite Ticonderoga on the even- 
ing of the 9th of May. Early the next morning eighty- 
three men, with Allen at the head, succeeded in crossing 
without being seen from the fort. With a rush they 
gained the gateway of the door. The sentinel was 
driven in, the patriots followed him, nay, rushed after 
him. Allen sprang to the commandant's quarters. 
"Surrender this tort instantly." "By what authority?" 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



75 



** In the na^ne of the great jfehovah and the continental 
congress^'' said Allen, waving his sword to give em- 
phasis. There was no alternative. The garrison 
were made prisoners and sent to Connecticut. By 
this daring exploit great quantities of military stores 
were secured. Two days later Crown Point surren- 
dered. Generals Howe, Clinton and Burgoyne 
arrived at Boston. There were now fully ten thou- 
sand British troops in Boston this, the 25th of May, and 
it was rumored that Gage was to sally out of Boston 
and burn surrounding towns and devastate the country. 
To anticipate this movement the Americans set about 
fortifying Bunker Hill, which commanded the penin- 
sula of Charlestown, Colonel Prescott was sent with 
a thousand men to entrench the hill on the night of 
the i6th of June. They reached the eminence, but 
Prescott and his engineer did not approve the situa- 
tion and proceeded down the peninsula to Breed's 
Hill, within cannon range of Boston. During the 
night a redoubt was thrown up. So near were they 
to the enemy that they could hear the sentry's night 
call, " All is well." General Gage, as soon as it was 
light enough to distinguish the redoubt, ordered the 
ships in the harbor to cannonade the American posi- 
tion. The British batteries on Copp's Hill also 
opened fire, and very soon after twelve o'clock noon 
Generals Howe and Pigot landed at Morton's Point 
with three thousand British veterans. There were about 
fifteen hundred Americans. Generals Putnam and 
Warren served as privates in the trenches. Charles- 
town was burned by the British as they advanced. 
The housetops held thousands of spectators who 



276 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

watched the battle. The British troops made a grand 
appearance. The Americans were quiet and silent until 
the fixed bay^onets were within one hundred and fifty 
feet. Then there was a flash and a roll like thunder 
peal. The first rank had disappeared and the rest re- 
treated ; but General Howe rallied them to the charge. 
Again all was quiet till they were very close, and 
then volley after volley came so quickly that the 
column was broken and driven to flight. The British 
fleet now brought their vessels to bear upon the 
American works. Then for the third time the British 
soldiers charged up the hillside with fixed bayonets. 
The ammunition of the Americans was now almost 
gone. This they used, however, with good effect. 
There came a lull and the British clambered over the 
ramparts. They were met with a volley of stones. 
It had been a gallant fight, but for want of ammuni- 
tion they were driven out of the trenches at bayonet 
point. The Americans lost a hundred and fifteen 
killed, among them General Warren, three hundred 
and five wounded and thirty-two prisoners. The 
British loss was one thousand and fifty-four killed and 
wounded. 

The battle of Bunker Hill inspired instead of dis- 
couraged the colonists. The news was carried to the 
south, almost as they carried the news from "Ghent 
to Aix." A spirit of resolute determination was 
aroused in every heart and the people talked of the 
United Colonies of America. Indeed, a declaration 
of independence was made at a convention held in 
Charlotte, North Carolina. 

On the day that Ethan Allen captured Ticonderoga 



THE AMERICAN REVOLULION. 277 

he c olonial congress came together at Philadelphia. 
Franklin and Patrick Henry, John Adams and Samuel 
Adams were there and George Washington and Jef- 
ferson a little later. Another and last appeal was 
addressed to the king, and he was told that the colonists 
preferred war to slavery. John Adams made an ad- 
dress in the early part of the session. Among other 
things he spoke of the colonists' need of a commander- 
in-chief, and of the qualities necessary for such a high 
officer, and he concluded by nominating George 
Washington of Virginia. On the 15th of June con- 
gress confirmed the nomination. The wisdom which 
saved the wreck of Braddock's army, his courage and 
his education made him an invincible leader and 
worthy to be called in later years the father of his 
country. He was born in Westmoreland county, Vir- 
ginia, on the nth of February (old style), 1732. At 
the age of eleven his father died, and his mother un- 
doubtedly did very much towards forming his charac- 
ter. His education was thorough in the limited 
branches which he had opportunity to follow. Sur- 
veying was his favorite study. When he was only 
sixteen he was sent to survey a tract of land on the 
south Potomac. The important duties he performed 
while with the Ohio Company ahd his campaign with 
Braddock haye been given in the wars with the French 
and Indians. 

He accepted the appointment of commander-in- 
chief with great dignity, and at once set out to join 
the army at Cambridge. The great elm under which 
he took command is as fresh and well preserved to- 
day as is Washington's memory in the heart of all 



278 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

t 

true patriots. Congress had voted to equip twenty 
thousand men, but there was no money to pay for 
such equipment. Washington had a force of fourteen 
thousand five hundred volunteers ; they were without 
any military discipline and insubordinate. The supplies 
of war were very insignificant. But Washington did not 
flinch from the trust he had accepted. So the army 
was organized and arranged in three divisions. The 
right wing, stationed at Roxbury, was under command 
of General Ward. The left rested on Prospect Hill, 
commanded by General Charles Lee. The center, 
under the commander, lay at Cambridge. In all the 
colonies the king's authority was not recognized. 
Lord Dunmore of Virginia was driven from his office, 
proclaimed freedom to the slaves and attempted to 
raise a company of loyalists, but was defeated near 
Norfolk by the patriots. The Americans hoped for 
aid from Canada. In order to encourage the people 
of that country to help them, Generals Schuyler 
and Montgomery were ordered to proceed against 
St. John and Montreal. They reached St. John 
on the loth of September, but could not at first 
take it ; but afterward General Montgomery suc- 
ceeded in capturing the fort. Montreal capitu- 
lated on the 13th of November. With three hun- 
dred men Montgomery proceeded against Quebec. 
Colonel Arnold had in the meantime brought ft 
thousand xnen from Cambridge. The march wat 
very hard and the suffering intense before they climbed 
the Plains of Abraham. At Point aux Trembles he 
was joined by Montgomery, who assumed command 
of the force, which did not contain nine hundred men. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 279 

Quebec was defended by vastly superior numbers. 
Montgomery with his little force besieged the tort for 
three weeks and then staked everything on an assault. 
Before break of day on December 31st, 1775, the first 
division under Montgomery attacked the lower town. 
The second division, led by Arnold, attempted to 
carry the Prescott gate by storm. As Montgomery's 
men were rushing forward a battery before them burst 
forth with grape shot and the gallant commander was 
no more. The men were broken-hearted for the loss 
of their loved commander and they retreated to Wolfs 
Cove above the city. Arnold had fought his way 
into the lower town. While leading the charge he 
was severely wounded and carried in the rear. 
Captain Morgan took command and led his brave 
men through the narrow streets in their retreat, till 
overwhelmed and compelled to surrender. Arnold 
retired to a point three miles above the city, but the 
small-pox broke out in the camp. Quebec was 
strengthened, and the Americans evacuated Canada 
the following June. 

King George was in no hurry to answer the petition 
of the appeal of congress, and when he did it was 
rejected with utter contempt. His answer only has- 
tened the day of independence. In the meantime 
General Gage had been superseded by General Howe 
in command of the British troops in Boston. Through 
the whole long winter Washington had besieged 
the city. When the spring of 1776 came, he felt 
strong enough to attempt an assault. The officers of 
his staff thought it was a great risk, and so another 
plan was adopted — that of seizing Dorchester Heights 



28o FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and driving Howe out of Boston. For two days the 
British were annoyed by the American batteries till 
their attention was concentrated on that division. 
Then the night of March 4th a detachment went out 
under cover of darkness and reached the heights un- 
seen, but when day broke Howe knew that he must 
carry the American position or else abandon the city. 
So he ordered two thousand four hundred men to 
storm the heights before nightfall. Washington 
visited the trenches and exhorted his men. It was 
the anniversary of the Boston massacre. A battle 
was imminent, but ere the British were in readiness 
a storm arose that made the harbor impassable. For 
a whole day it blew and before the next morning the 
American fortifications were so strong that the idea 
of an assault had to be given up, and General Howe 
decided that the best — indeed, the only — way to do 
was to leave the capital of New England. And after 
some days there came about an agreement between 
Washington and Howe that the latter might retire 
from Boston unmolested provided the city should not 
be burned. The whole British force marched down 
to their ships and sailed away on the 17th of March. 
The whole country was overjoyed. The 20th 
Washington with his army made a formal entry and 
received an ovation. Corgress ordered a gold medal 
struck in honor of Washington's victory over the 
enemy. Shortly after this the commander-in-chief 
repaired with his army to New York. General Lee 
came with the Connecticut forces and reached the 
city just in time to prevent the attempt of Sir Henry 
Clinton from marching upon the town. The British 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 281 

fleet had arrived off Sandy Hook. Clinton sailed 
southward and was joined by Peter Parker and Lord 
Cornwallis, with twenty-five hundred men. Their 
intention was to capture Charleston. The Carolinians 
were commanded by General Lee. They came from 
every part of the state and flocked to Charleston. 
The city was fortified and the entrance to the harbor 
was commanded by a fort on Sullivan's Island. 

The British squadron came in sight on the 4th of 
June and on the 2Sth the British fleet began bombard- 
ing the fortress in command of Colonel Moultrie. The 
vessels of the fleet poured a tempest of balls upon the 
fort, but as it was built of palmetto bullets were of 
little avail. They shot away the flag staff" and Ser- 
geant Jasper leaped from the wall, recovered it and 
nailed it back again. At nightfall the British were 
obliged to withdraw. They had lost two hundred 
men. The garrison had lost thirty-two. When the 
British had made needed repairs to their ships they 
set sail for New York. 

During the summer the American forces had been 
increased to twenty-seven thousand men, but only 
about half that number were to be counted on. Great 
Britain was making immense preparations. She had 
made a treaty with some of the Hessian states and 
hired seventeen thousand of these to fight against 
America. Twenty-five thousand English troops had 
been levied, and a million of dollars devoted to the 
expenses of the war. 

We have already learned of the doings of the 
second colonial congress and of Richard Henry Lee's 
resolution declaring the united colonies to be free and 



282 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

independent states. This resolution after a long and 
exciting debate was held tor final consideration until 
the meeting of the assembly on July 1st. On the iitb 
of June a committee consisting of Robert E. Living- 
stone, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, John 
Adams and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to make 
the final declaration. The committee's report was 
laid before congress on the ist day of July. On the 
2nd Lee's resolution was adopted ; on the 3rd the 
formal declaration was debated, and on the 4tk 
unanimously adopted. The old bell in the state house 
rang out the news of freedom, ard enthusiastic ap- 
plause was the response. The king's arms were torn 
down and burned in the street. There were huge 
bonfires at Charleston, Williamsburg and Savannah 
At Boston the people assembled at Faneuil Hall to 
hear the declaration read. At New York the people 
pulled down the statue of George III and cast it i?it0 
bullets. Washington ordered the declaration read at 
the head of each brigade. As all school children are 
taught the declaration of independence, as it is always 
read in every Fourth of July gathering, it will be only 
necessary here to give the leading principles. "All 
men are created free and equal ; governments are 
instituted for the welfare of the people ; that the peo- 
ple have a right to alter their government ; that the gov- 
ernment of George III had become destructive to liberty ; 
that the king's tyranny over American subjects was no 
longer endurable ; and that therefore the United States 
of America are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent states." 

About this ^time General Howe landed nine thou- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 283 

sand men on Staten Island, and Clinton came from 
his siege at Charleston, and Admiral Howe from Eng- 
land. The entire British force near New York num- 
bered thirty thousand, but about half of them were 
Hessians. Washington's army was meager in numbers 
as well as knowing little of discipline. Lord Howe's 
instructions were to try conciliatory measures with the 
Americans. So he sent a messenger to General Wash- 
ington with a dispatch addressed to '■'- George Wash- 
ington^ Esquire.^'' Washington refused to receive a 
communication which did not recognize his official 
position. Howe then sent another message directed 
''^ George Washington^ etc,^ etc.^ etc.^'' and the bearer in- 
sisted that the and-so-forths might mean general of 
the American army. It was known to Washington 
that Howe's authority extended only to granting par- 
dons, and to this second message Washington replied 
*'that since no offense had been given no pardon was 
required." 

And now Lord Howe and his brother commenced 
hostilities. The British, numbering ten thousand, 
landed on Long Island. The eight thousand Ameri- 
cans were posted about Brooklyn. General Grant of 
the British army took his division to Greenwood ceme- 
tery, where he met General Stirling with fifieen hun- 
dred Americans, and the battle began. This was the 
morning of the 27th of August, and in this part of the 
field there were no decisive results. General Heister, 
in command of the British center, advanced beyond 
Flatbush and engaged the main body of the Americans 
under General Sullivan. The Hessians gained very 
Kttle ground, until Sullivan was suddenly alarmed by 



284 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS UF AxMERICA. 

the noise of battle on his left and rear. General Put- 
nam had neglected to guard the passes on the left of 
the American army. During the night General Clin- 
ton had occupied the heights above the Jamaica road 
and now his division came down by way of Bedford. 
Sullivan found himself surrounded and cut off. They 
fought gallantly. Some broke through the British 
ranks, some were scattered, many were killed or taken 
prisoners. Cornwallis, in attempting to cut off Stir- 
ling's retreat, was repulsed. Most of Stirling's men 
reached the American lines at Brooklyn. Generals 
Stirling, Sullivan and Woodhull were taken prisoners. 
Nearly a thousand patriots were killed or missing. It 
seemed as though the British would have little trouble 
in capturing the rest, and Washington wisely withdrew 
to New York. It was a dangerous enterprise. On the 
evening of the 29th the embarkation of the American 
army began. Through the short night with mufflled 
oars the boatmen sped swiftly and silently. The 
British made the discovery at daybreak, and rushing to 
the American entrenchments found — a few worthless 
guns. 

The defeat was almost fatal to the American army. 
They were undisciplined, remember, and the loss so 
great, the numbers of the enemy so overpowering, was 
it any wonder that these men, fresh from their homes, 
were discouraged .f* It was only by constant exertion 
and great personal attraction that Washington was en- 
abled to keep his army together. The British fleet 
came and anchored within cannon shot. Then Wash- 
ington returned to Harlem Heights, and on September 
itjth the British chose a landing place three miles 



THE AMERICAN JiEVOLUTION. 285 

above New York. They extended their lines across 
the island and took possession of the city. 

On the i6th there was a skirmish between the 
advanced guards, and this time the British were driven 
back with a loss of a hundred men. Howe embarked 
his forces on the i6th of October, sailed down Long 
Island sound and landed his troops near Westchester, 
his object being to cut off communication between the 
American army and the New England states! 
Washington divined the movement and faced the 
British east of Harlem river, and there was a battle 
fought at White Plains on the 2Sth. Howe began the 
engagement with a cannonade, which was replied to 
" right saucily." The Americans were driven from 
one position, but entrenched themselves immediately 
in another. But when darkness came down Washing- 
ton withdrew to the heights of North Castle. Howe 
remained a few days longer and then marched back to 
New York. Washington crossed the west bank of 
the Hudson and took position at Fort Lee. Four 
thousand men were left at North Castle under General 
Lee. Fort Washington on Manhattan island con- 
tained four thousand men under Colonel Magaw\ The 
skill shown in the construction of this fort was ad- 
mired by General Washington, and he made the 
acquaintance of the young engineer, who was only 
twenty years of age, and in after years became the 
famous Alexander Hamilton. The i6th of November 
saw the surrender of Fort Washington and the jails 
were filled to overflowing with its garrison. Two days 
later Cornwallis captured Fort Lee. The army was 
now reduced to three thousand and with Washington 



286 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

retreated to Newark, followed closely by Cornwallis 
and Knyphausen. The provincials kept on to Prince- 
ton and then went to Trenton on the Delaware. 
Nothing but the skill and undaunted energy of Wash- 
ington saved the last of his force from ruin. 

Cornwallis had no boats and so Washington had 
this advantage over him. With his men he crossed 
the Delaware. The British army were stationed in 
towns and villages east of the Delaware. Trenton 
was held by tw^o thousand Hessians under Colonel 
Rahl. It was well known that as soon as the river 
should be thoroughly frozen over the British would 
march into Philadelphia, and congress adjourned to 
Baltimore. The very day that Washington crossed 
the Delaware Admiral Parker's fleet took the islands 
of Rhode Island and Conanicut, and the American 
squadron under Commander Hopkins was blockaded 
in Blackstone river. While on his retreat across New 
Jersey Washington had despatched a messenger to 
General Lee at North Castle to join the main army as 
soon as possible. The general marched at once with 
his command as far as Morristown, and took up his 
quarters at Basking Ridge. But he had the misfor- 
tune to be captured himself by a squad of cavalry who 
carried him away to New York. Sullivan at once 
took command of Lee's division and wasted no time 
in joining the commander-in-chief. The entire 
American force was little more than six thousand. 
But "there is a tide in the afl'airs of men which, taken 
in the flood, leads on to victory." This was the tide 
which led the American forces to glory. Washington 
observed in the disposition of the British forces aa. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 287 

opportunity to rout them. The Hessians on the east 
«ide of the river were spread out from Trenton to Bur- 
lington. Washington's design was to cross the Dela- 
ware and strike the detachment at Trenton, before a 
concentration of the enemy's forces could be effected. 
So he arranged his army in three divisions. The first, 
commanded by Cadwallader, was to cross the river at 
Bristol. General Ewing was to pass over a little 
below Trenton. Washington with twenty-four hun- 
dred men was to cross nine miles above Trenton, march 
down the river and assault the town. Christmas 
night this work was to be done. The Delaware was 
full of broken ice which deterred Cadwallader and 
Ewing from crossing, but Washington crossed and 
then divided his army into two columns and rapidly 
marched down to Trenton. It was eight the next 
morning when the town was attacked from both 
directions simultaneously. The Hessians hurried out 
of their quarters and tried to get into line. Colonel 
Rahl was mortally wounded ; nearly a thousand Hes- 
sians threw down their arms and begged for quarter. 
Before night had again fallen Washington, his army 
and whole body of captives, were safe on the other 
side of the Delaware. This victory was to the de- 
spairing Americans like the sunshine to buried miners. 
The militia flocked to the general's standard, and 
fourteen hundred soldiers, whose term of enlistment 
now expired, re-entered the service, and Robert Morris, 
the great financier, came forward with his fortune to 
the support of his country. 

Three days later Washington again crossed the 
Delaware. There all the American detachments were 



288 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

ordered to assemble. General Heath, who was sta- 
tioned at Peekskill, received orders to move into New 
Jersey. The British fell back from their outposts and 
concentrated at Princeton. Cornwallis resumed com- 
mand in person, and so closed the year A. D. 1776. 

In 1777, January ist, Washington's army at Trenton 
numbered some five thousand men. The next day 
Cornwallis approached with a vastly superior force. 
Through the afternoon there were several skirmishes 
along the roads east of Trenton. Washington took up 
a new position south of Assanpink creek. The British, 
attempting to force a passage, were driven back, and 
Cornwallis deferred the main attack until the morrow. 
Washington called a council of war immediately after 
night, and it was determined to leave the camp, pass 
the British left flank, and strike the enemy at Prince- 
ton. The army was "shod with silence." The bag- 
gage was removed to Burlington. The camp fires were 
kindled as usual and not allowed to go down all night,* 
and when the sun rose the British saw only an empty 
field. At the same time of day Washington was en- 
tering Princeton, and the force that had been stationed 
at Princeton vv^as on the march to join Cornwallis. 
The Americans met them in the edge of the village 
and the battle was on. The British charged bayonets 
and the militia gave way in confusion. General Mer- 
cer was mortally wounded, but the Pennsylvania regu- 
lars, led by the commander-in-chief, stood their ground. 
Washington, cool and calm, collected his men and 
routed the enemy, who lost four hundred and thirty 
men in killed, wounded and missing. 

Fearing the approach of Cornwallis, Washington 




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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 289 

hurried north and on January 5th took a position in 
Morristown. Cornwallis returned to New Brunswick. 
In a remarkably short time the patriots had regained 
New Jersey. Cornwalh's kept gradually contracting 
his lines until his whole force was in the narrow space 
between New Brunswick and Amboy, Early in the 
spring the American stores at Peekskill were destroyed 
by the British, and Cornwallis surprised General 
Lincoln on the Raritan April 13th, but Lincoln made 
a retreat on the 35th of the month. General Tryon, 
commandins: two thousand men, proceeded to take 
Danbury, Connecticut, and burn it ; but the British 
were in tu^'n attacked by provincials under Wooster 
and Arnold, and lost two hundred men. The veteran 
Wooster, of America, lost his life in this engagement- 
Colonel Meigs, of Connecticut, on the night of the 
23d ot May embarked two thousand men in whale 
boats, crossed the sound and took Sag Harbor. The 
British were completely overpowered ; only four es- 
caped, ninety were made prisoners and five or six 
killed. The stores were destroyed by the patriots, who 
without the loss of a man returned to Guilford. Con- 
gress awarded a superb sword to General Meigs. 

At this time the American forces were concentrated 
on the Hudson and a camp commanded by Arnold on 
the Delaware. Late in May Washington broke up his 
winter quarters and took a commanding position ten 
miles from the British camp. Howe crossed over from 
New York and threatened to attack the American 
lines. For a month the two armies kept up a series of 
skirmishes and counter marches. Then the British re" 
tired first to Amboy, and on June 30th to Staten island. 



390 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

General Prescott, of the British army, was captured 
at a farm house near Newport by Colonel William 
Barton with forty volunteers, and now the provincials 
were willing to exchange Prescott for Lee, who had 
been taken prisoner by the British and held because 
there was no one of equal rank offered in exchange. 
Colonel Barton was rewarded for this exploit with an 
elegant sword presented by congress, who had again 
returned to Philadelphia. 

The people of France had always shown themselves 
friendlv to America, and now their sympathy became 
outspoken. The French ministers would not openly 
provoke a war with Great Britain, but they were al- 
ways glad to hear of an English defeat. The Ameri- 
cans somehow became aware that if money was needed 
France was willing to loan it ; if arms were needed 
France had them to sell ; and during the year 1777 
twenty thousand muskets and a thousand barrels of 
powder came from France to America. A little later 
the republicans of France came over to see for them- 
selves the struggle for liberty. One of the first was 
the noble young Marquis of La Fayette. He fitted 
out a vessel at his own expense ; he managed to elude 
the officers and with De Kalb and a handful of follow- 
ers reached South Carolina in April of 1777- He 
entered the army as a volunteer and in the following 
July became a major-general. 

The campaign of General Burgoyne was an impor- 
tant one. He superseded Sir Guy Carleton in com- 
mand of the British forces in Canada. He spent the 
spring in organizing a force of ten thousand men, 
intending: to take the state of New York. The force 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 



291 



was a mixed one composed of British soldiers, Cana- 
dians, Indians and Hessians. The plan was to make 
a sudden descent on Albany and New York, and to 
cut off New England, the middle and southern colo- 
nies. Bur^oyne and his mixed army on the ist of June 
reached lake Champlain, and on the i6th Crown 
Point. This place was already occupied by the Brit- 
ish, so he marched to Ticonderoga, occupied by Gen- 
eral St. Clair with three thousand men. The garrison 
got out and marched to Hubbard ton, Vermont, and the 
British captured Ticonderoga, but followed the fleeing 
Americans so fast that an engagement was held at 
Hubbardton, which checked the rapid pursuit. The 
next day the British captured a quantity of stores. 
General Schuyler was now in command of the north- 
ern American army. He had between four and five 
thousand men at Fort Edward. Burgoyne captured 
this fort on the 30th of July, the garrison retreating 
down the Hudson. The British commander now 
despatched Colonels Baum and Breymann with a 
strong detachment to seize colonial stores at Benning- 
ton, Vermont. Colonel John Stark rallied the New 
Hampshire militia, and on the 15th of August met the 
British near the town. The battle was a terrific one. 
Baum's forces were completely routed. The British 
loss was eight hundred killed, wounded and prisoners, 
and the colonists were once more overjoyed. And 
shortly another victory made them jubilant. A large 
force of Canadians and Indians under command of 
General St. Leger had been detailed to storm Fort 
Schuyler on the Mohawk. On the 3rd of August St. 
Leger held the fort, but General Herkimer rallied the 



292 POUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

militia, but was defeated with a loss of a hundred and 
sixty men. Meantime General Arnold was at the 
head of a detachment for the relief of the fort. When 
he approached the savages fled and St. Leger, amazed 
at their treachery, raised the siege and retreated. 
Burgoyne was at Fort Edward when this discourag- 
ing news was brought him. It took a w^hole month 
to get British supplies from Canada, and he found 
himself surrounded by nine thousand patriot soldiers. 
General Lincoln arrived with the militia of New 
England, and Washington sent several detachments 
from the regular army. Morgan came with his rifle- 
men. Schuyler was superseded by Gates in the 
northern army. The American headquarters were 
advanced to Stillwater. Burgoyne crossed the Hud- 
son on the 14th and took a post at Saratoga. The 
two armies now faced each other. On the 19th a 
general battle, continuing until nightfall, occurred. 
The conflict was severe, but gave neither* party the vic- 
tory. Burgoyne's position was now critical. His sup- 
plies were nearly gone. The Canadians and Indians 
deserted him. General Clinton, who commanded the 
British army in New York, had sailed up t'he Hudson 
and captured Forts Clinton and Montgomery, but 
nothing more. Burgoyne had now become desperate. 
On the 7th of October he gave battle to the Americans 
and lost his best officers and nearly seven hundred 
privates. General Frazer, noted for his bravery, com- 
manded the British right, was killed, and. his disheart- 
ened men turned and fled. On the American side 
Arnold was inspiring his men and the American 
army was completely victorious. Burgoyne began his 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



293 



retreat on the 9th of October. He reached Saratoga, 
where he was intercepted by Gates and Lincoln and 
driven to surrender. The terms of capitulation were 
agreed to on the 17th of October, and five thousand 
seven hundred and ninety-one — the whole English 
army — became prisoners, and among them were six 
members of parliament. The military stores of the 
Americans were enriched by forty-two pieces of brass 
artillery, five thousand muskets and an immense 
quantity of stores. 

As soon as this affair w^as over a large part of the 
army was sent to Washington, for a great campaign 
had been going on in the south, and the patriots had 
been in sore straits. Howe had sailed on the 23rd of 
July from New York with eighteen thousand men to 
attack Philadelphia ; but hearing that Americans 
had obstructed the Delaware he changed his plan, 
entered the Chesapeake and made the journey by 
land. Washington advanced his headquarters from 
Philadelphia to Wilmington. The American army, 
numbering between eleven and twelve thousand men, 
were concentrated at that point. The forces of Howe 
were very large, but Washington hoped to keep them 
back from the capital. It was the 35th of August 
when the British landed at Elk river, Maryland, 
and began their march to Philadelphia. Washing- 
ton selected the Brandywine as his post of defence. 
The left wing was stationed at Chadsford, while the 
right wing, under General Sullivan, was extended up 
the river. The nth of September the British reached 
the opposite bank and began battle. The Hessians, 
commanded by Knyphausen, attacked at the ford ; 



294 



FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 



the British, led by Cornwallis and Howe, marched up 
the Brandywine and crossed above the American 
right. Sullivan allov^ed himself to be out-flanked. 
Washington was deceived by false representations. 
The right wing was crushed by Cornwallis and the 
day was lost. By morning the remnant of the Ameri- 
can forces was at Westchester. The American loss was 
one thousand men ; the British loss five hundred and 
eighty -four. La Fayette was severely wounded. 
Count Pulaski distinguished himself so that congress 
honored him with the rank of brigadier. Washington 
continued his retreat as far as Germantown, and on 
the 15th of the month he recrossed the Schuylkill, and 
met Howe at Warren's Tavern. There was a spirited 
skirmish and a great battle seemed near. But a 
tremendous tempest swept over the field. The sol- 
diers were deluged, their cartridges useless, and fight- 
ing was impossible. Washington still attempted to 
keep between the British and the city, but Howe suc- 
ceeded in crossing the river and on September 26th 
the city was taken. Congress adjourned to Lancaster 
and again to York, where sessions were held until 
summer. Washington now made his camp on Skip- 
pack creek, twenty miles from the city. He at- 
tempted to surprise the British on the night of 
October 3rd, but the roads were rough and the differ- 
ent columns reached the British outposts at irregular 
intervals. The fighting was severe, and there was a 
time when the British seemed likely to be over- 
powered ; but they gained possession of a large store 
house and could not be driven out. The patriots were 
forced to give it up. Their loss was a thousand killed, 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 2^5 

wounded and missing. The British lost five hundred 
and thirty-five. 

The morning of October 22nd an assault was made 
on Fort Mercer, on the Delaware, by twelve hundred 
Hessians, led by Count Donop, who, with nearly four 
hundred of his men, went down before the American 
entrenchments. While this battle was in progress 
the British fleet attacked Fort Mifflin on Mud island. 
A siege ensued lasting until the 15th of November. 
Then the garrison escaped at midnight to Fort Mercer 
and the fortress was fired, and on the 20th of Novem- 
ber Fort Mercer was abandoned to the English, and 
this was the way General Howe obtained control of 
the Delaware. 

Washington made Whitemarsh his headquarters 
after the battle of Germantown. Food and clothing 
were very scarce. General Howe called a council of 
war in a house belonging to Lydia Darrah, in Phila- 
delphia. It was decided to surprise Washington in 
his camp. Lydia Darrah overheard the plans and, 
being a patriotic woman, she made pretence of going 
to mill. Taking her sacks with her, she rode to the 
American lines and told the story, so that on the morn- 
ing of the 4th, as the British approached Whitemarsh, 
they found mounted cannons and the patriots in 
* attle array." For four days the British general 
manoeuvred and then marched back to Philadelphia. 

It was the nth of December when the American 
army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, on 
the right bank of the Schuylkill. 

This was a severe winter and the men suffered for 
want of clothing and shoes. Many a time blood 



296 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA, 

marked their footsteps. It was a long winter, and 
congress in a measure abandoned him, as did many 
men in high civil and military places. But the army 
stood by him through all privations, and the confidence 
of the nation increased. 

To go back to our relations with other countries. 
Silas Deane of Connecticut was appointed minister to 
France in November, 1776. His very first service to 
his country was to make a secret arrangement for 
supplies to carry on the war, and a year later a ship 
laden with two hundred thousand dollars worth of 
arms and ammunition and the much needed specie 
came over. With the ship came Baron Steuben, 
commissioned by congress as inspector-general of the 
army. Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee were 
also appointed by congress to negotiate a treaty with 
the French king. They reached Paris in December, 
1776, and at once took up their duties. For a long 
time their attempts were not successful. King Louis 
and his ministers hated Great Britain and gave secret 
encouragement to America, but an open treaty with 
America was the same thing as proclaiming war with 
England, and that the French court abhorred. The 
brilliant genius of Franklin now shone with a 
lustre unknown before because of want of opportun- 
ity. " At the gay court ot Louis XVI he stood as the 
representative of his country. His wit and genial 
humor made him admired ; his talents and courtesy 
commanded respect ; his patience and perseverance 
gave him final success. During the whole of i777 ^^ 
remained at Paris and Versailles. At last came the 
news of Burgoyne's surrender." 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Z^'J 

Without aid from abroad a strong British army had 
been subdued by men unused to military discipline, 
and many times without proper arms or suitable food 
and clothing. This wonderful success of the Ameri- 
cans induced the king to accept the proposed alliance 
w^th the colonies. On February 6th, 1778, a treaty 
was concluded. "P'rance acknowledged the inde- 
pendence of the United States, and entered into rela- 
tions of friendship with the new nation." 

Benjamin Franklin was born on the 17th of Janu- 
ary, 1706. When twelve years of age he was appren- 
ticed to his brother to learn the art of printing. In 
1723 he went into a printing office in Philadelphia and 
quickly became distinguished. He went to England, 
and when he returned founded the first circulating 
library in America. He also edited " Poor Richard's 
Almanac," and discovered that lightning and electric- 
ity were one and the same. His wisdom and charming 
inanners did much to gain the treaty in France. 

Congress ratified the treaty with France in May, 
1778, but a month before this Count d'Estaing had 
been sent to America with a French fleet. Immedi- 
ately preparations for war were made by both Great 
Britain and France. George III was now anxious to 
treat with the Americans. Lord North brought for- 
ward two Amarican bills in which everything claimed 
by the colonists was conceded. The bills passed par- 
liament, and the king was pleased to give his assent, 
and commissioners were sent immediately to the 
colonies. But congress, feeling that nothing short of 
perfect independence in the United States could be 
accepted, informed the commissioners so. 



%gS FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Until June of 1778 the British army remained at 
Philadelphia. Then the rumor of D'Estaing's ap- 
proaching fleet reached their ears, and at once the 
English admiral set sail for New York, and on the 
i8th Philadelphia was evacuated and the British 
army retreated across New Jersey. Washington at 
once occupied the capital and followed the British 
retreat. He overtook them at Monmouth. General 
Lee was ordered to attack them the morning of the 
28th. The American cavalry under La Fayette was 
driven back by Cornwallis. Lee gave orders for his 
command to retire to a stronger position, but the order 
was misunderstood and the retreat commenced. Wash- 
ington met the flying army and rebuked Lee severely. 
At nightfall they were compelled to desist, and under 
cover of the darkness Clinton and his forces escaped. 
The American loss was two hundred and twenty-seven. 
The British dead on the field numbered nearly three 
hundred. The day after the battle Lee sent to Wash- 
ington an insulting letter demanding an apology. 
Washington replied that his language was justified by 
the circumstances. Lee answered in a still more 
offensive manner, and was thereupon arrested and 
tried by court martial and dismissed from his command 
for twelve months. He never re-entered the service 
and did not live to witness the independence of his 
country. 

Washington took up his quarters at White Plains^ 
as the British forces were at New York. It was the 
nth of July when Count d'Estaing's fleet made the 
first attempt to attack the British squadron in the 
bay ; but the bar at the entrance prevented the 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 299 

passage of the French ships. D'Estaing sailed for 
Rhode Island, and General Sullivan went to 
Providence to act with him in a charge on Newport. 
Sullivan secured a favorable position on the island, 
and a joint attack by land and sea was planned for 
the loth of August, and when the day dawned 
General Howe's fleet came in sight and D'Estaing 
sailed out to meet him. But just as the engagement 
was about to begin a tremendous storm arose, which 
parted the fleets and greatly damaged them. D'Estaing 
repaired to Boston and Howe put back to New York* 
Sullivan laid siege to Newport, but found it policy 
to retreat, pursued by the British. A battle was 
fought, in which the British were repulsed with a loss 
of two hundred and sixty men. Sullivan succeeded 
in escaping from the island the following evening and 
General Clinton returned to New York. 

Admiral Byron now took command of the British 
forces. The American ships in Little Egg Harbor 
were burned, Colonel Ferguson of Great Britain lead- 
ing the incendiaries. 

A little before this Major John Butler of the British 
army, commanding six hundred loyalists (Canadians 
and Indians), marched down Wyoming valley. The 
settlement was entirely defenceless. A few old men 
and boys too young to belong to the militia rallied to 
protect their homes. The handful of patriots were 
routed, and fled to the fort, which was already 
crowded with women and children. Butler promised 
honorable terms. On July 5th the gates were opened 
and the captives murdered as soon as the invaders 
were safely inside. Nearly all the prisoners fell under 



300 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the hatchet and scalping knife of the murderous In- 
dians. 

At Cherry valley in New York state there was a 
similar massacre, the invaders led by Joseph Brandt 
and Walter Butler, the son of the British general. 
The people of Cherry valley were driven from their 
homes and tomahawked or scalped. Forty were 
taken in captivity. Major Clarke took command of 
the force which was to teach them something of the 
terrors of war. After great loss to the Indians they 
were forced to capitulate. 

Count d'Estaing's fleet sailed for the West Indies on 
the 3d of November, and in December follow^ing 
Admiral Byron sailed, hoping on the high seas to 
overtake the goddess of fortune. 

Two thousand men commanded by Colonel Camp- 
bell were sent by General Clinton to conquer Georgia. 
On the 29th of December the expedition reached 
Savannah. The place was defended by General 
Robert Howe with eight hundred men. A battle 
ensued and the Americans were driven out of the city. 
The patriots went into South Carolina and found 
refuge at Charleston. 

The winter of 1778—79 found the American army in 
winter quarters at Middlebrook. The soldiers had 
been neither paid nor fed properly, but Washington's 
influence prevented a mutiny. Governor Tryon (a 
royalist) marched with fifteen hundred regulators and 
tories to destroy the salt w^orks at Horse Neck, 
Connecticut. General Putnam rallied the militia and 
made a gallant defence. At length the British out- 
flanked the Americans, who were forced to fly, and 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 3OI 

General Putnam, in eminent danger of capture, rode 
his horse down a precipice and escaped. Clinton with 
a force went up the Hudson to Stony Point in late 
May. The garrison saw it was useless to resist him 
and escaped from the fort. Verplanck's Point was 
bombarded by the British on the ist of June and 
forced to surrender. Tryon with twenty-six hun- 
dred Hessians and tories captured New Haven in 
July. East Haven and Fairfield they burned, 
and the story is told that during the burn- 
ing of Norwalk Tryon sat in a rocking chair 
and laughed heartily at the distress he was caus- 
ing, even as Nero laughed at the destruction he 
created. General Wayne came upon Stony Point on 
the 15th of July. He halted near the fort and gave 
his orders. The British pickets were caught and 
gagged, and as silent as the night muskets were un- 
loaded and bayonets fixed. Not a gun was fired* 
The assault came a little after midnight. Not a 
patriot flinched from his duty. The ramparts were 
scaled, and the British awoke to find themselves be- 
tween two lines of bayonets. They cried for quarter. 
Sixty-three fell ; five hundred and forty-three were 
made prisoners. The American loss was fifteen 
killed, eighty-three wounded. General Wayne secured 
the ordinance and stores and burned the fort. 

It was only three days after this when Major Lee 
captured the British garrison at Jersey City, and a fleet 
was sent against a British post at the mouth of the Pen- 
obscot on the 25th of July. On the 13th of August, 
while the American vessels were besieging this post, 
the British squadron sailed in upon them and destroyed 



302 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

them. During the summer Generals Sullivan and 
James Clinton were sent against the Indians on the 
Susquehanna. Tlie savages and tories had fortified 
themselves at Elmira, but the 29th saw them forced 
out and routed. The country between the Susque- 
hanna and the Genesee was utterly devastated and 
every Indian village destroyed. 

Fort Sunbury on St. Catherine's sound was captured 
by General Prevost of his majesty's command Janu- 
ary 9th, 1779, and the general then assumed command 
of the British forces in the south. Two thousand 
regulars and loyalists were despatched against Augus- 
ta on the 29th. The British took Augusta the same 
day. Meanwhile the tories, w^ho were advancing to 
join the British at Augusta, were whipped by Captain 
Anderson, and on February 14th they were overtaken 
and routed by Colonel Pickens. Colonel Boyd, the 
tory leader, was killed and seventy of his men shared 
Ms fate. Seventy -five w^ere captured and five ring- 
leaders hanged, and the western half of Georgia was 
again in the possession of patriots. On February 25th 
the Americans, commanded by General Ashe (num- 
bering two thousand), crossed the Savannah and pur- 
sued Campbell as far as Brier creek. The patriots 
halted here and tiie British General Prevost marched 
from Savannah and surrounded Ashe's command. 
The battle was fought on the 3rd of March. The 
Americans were routed and driven into the swamp, 
and now Georgia was again under royal government. 
But again within a month Lincoln was in the field 
with five thousand men. He marched up the left bank 
of the river in the direction of Augusta. But General 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 303 

Prevost crossed the Savannah and marched against 
Charleston. General Lincoln turned back to attack 
him, and Prevost made a hasty retreat. The Ameri- 
cans overtook them at Stone Ferry, ten miles west of 
Charleston, but were repulsed with loss. Prevost then 
fell back to Savannah and all remained quiet during 
the winter. 

Count d'Estaing now arrived with his fleet from the 
West Indies to co-operate with Lincoln in reducing 
Savannah. Prevost meantime concentrated his forces 
for the defence of the city. " The French effected a 
landing on the 12th and advanced to the siege." It 
was eleven days before Lincoln arrived w^ith his forces. 
D'Estaing demanded a surrender on the i6th, but Pre- 
vost sent a defiant reply. The siege was a hard one 
and the town constantly bombarded. Still the de- 
fence remained unshaken. At length D'Estaing told 
Lincoln that the city must be carried by storm. The 
morning of October 9th was the one settled upon for 
assault. Before the sun had risen the allies were 
within the redoubts of the British. The attack was 
furious. It seemed at one time that the works must 
be carried. The flags of Carolina and of France 
were planted on the parapet, but were soon hurled 
down. Sergeant Jasper, the hero of Fort Moultrie, 
was killed. The allied forces were driven back with 
terrible loss. Count Pulaski was struck with a grape 
shot, and borne dying from the field. D'Estaing 
retired ou board his fleet and Lincoln retreated to 
Charleston, 

Paul Jones was cruising oflf the coast of Scotland 
with a fleet of French and American vessels. On the 



304 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

23rd of September he fell in with a British squadron, 
and there was a bloody battle. The Serapis, a British 
frigate of forty-four guns, enga^d 7he Poor Richard 
within musket shot. At last the vessels were lashed 
together, and the Serapis struck her colors. Jones 
had his men at once board the Serapis^ and the Poor 
Richard went down. Of the three hundred and 
seventy-five men who had been under Jones on the 
Poor Richard three hundred were either killed or 
wounded. This was the last engagement of 1779. 

During the early part of 1780 there was little going 
on in military circles. Admiral de Ternay arrived at 
Newport with a French squadron and six thousand 
land troops under Count Rochambeau early in July, 
and their plans for future campaigns were determined. 
In the south the patriots suffered severely, and all 
America was rejoiced that the French had come to 
their relief. South Carolina had been completely 
overrun by the enemy. On the nth of February 
Admiral Arbuthnot anchored before Charleston. 
Five thousand men under command of Sir Henry 
Clinton were on board the fleet. In the city were 
fourteen hundred men under General Lincoln. The 
British landed and advanced up the right bank of the 
Ashley river. On the 7th of April Lincoln was rein- 
forced by seven hundred Virginians. Two days later 
Arbuthnot succeeded in passing Fort Moultrie and 
came within cannon shot of the city. A siege was 
begun and vigorously kept up. Lincoln sent out 
General Huger to scour the country north of Cooper 
river. Warned of this movement, Tarleton with the 
British cavalry stole upon Huger's forces at Monk's 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 305 

Corner and dispersed the whole company. The city was 
now surrounded. From the beginning the defence was 
without hope. The fortifications were battered down, 
and Lincoln, dreading an assault, was forced to capitu- 
late. Charleston surrendered on the 12th of May and 
the garrison became prisoners of war. Only a few days 
before the surrender Tarleton surprised a company of 
militia on the Santee, and a little later three expedi- 
tions were sent out into different parts of the state. 
The American post at Ninety Six was seized. An- 
other detachment went prowling about the region of 
Savannah, and Cornwallis crossed the Santee and 
took Georgetown. Tarleton with seven hundred cav- 
alry overtook the Americans under Colonel Buford 
on the Waxhaw, and charged and scattered the whole 
command. 

Great "Britain's authority was now supreme over all 
South Carolina, Clinton and Arbuthnot returned to 
New York and Cornwallis was left to hold the con- 
quered country. The condition of affairs was desper- 
ate. Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion appeared as 
protectors for the state. They rallied the militia and 
began a partisan warfare that was effective. Detach- 
ments of the British melted like snow under April 
skies. At Rocky Mount Colonel Sumter burst upon 
a party of dragoons who barely escaped, and on the 
6th of August he attacked another detachment at 
Hanging Rock, defeated them and retreated. In this 
battle Andrew Jackson, then thirteen years of age, 
fought his first battle for freedom. 

The company under Marion was composed of 
twenty boys and men, white and black, poorly dressed 



306 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA, 

and poorly armed. The number increased as they 
marched along, and soon the "Ragged Regiment" 
was ridding the country of the enemy. They were 
unseen, and yet everywhere. Frequently at midnight 
they sallied from some horrid swamp upon the sleep- 
ing Britons, leaving scarce one to tell the horrid tale. 
The position of Cornwallis was swept around con-. 
tinually, his lines of communication were cut, and the 
onsets were incessant. This mode of warfare waft 
very provoking to the English ; more than that, it 
was seriously hurting them. 

General Gates now came into the Carolinas. Lord 
Rawdon brought his forces to Camden and a little 
later Cornwallis brought reinforcements. The Ameri- 
cans were posted at Clermont. Singularly enough, both 
Gates and Cornwallis formed the idea of surprising 
the other in the night. On the evening of August 
i^th they both set out and met midway at Sander^s 
creek. There was a severe battle and the Americans 
were badly defeated. The loss was nearly a thousand 
men. Baron De Kalb was fatally wounded. The 
reputation of Gates as a commanding officer vanished 
like smoke in a blizzard and General Greene super- 
seded him. But a few days later Sumter's corps was 
overtaken by Tarleton at Fishing creek and he was 
completely routed. 

There was only Marion now to harass the enemy. 
The British advanced into North Carolina the 8th of 
September and on the 25th they reached Charlotte. 
Colonel Ferguson with eleven hundred regulars and 
tories went into the country west of the Catawba to 
encourage the loyalists. He and his men had em- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 307 

campea on King's mountain October 7th, when sudden- 
ly, as if they had risen from under their very feet, they 
were attacked by Colonel Campbell with a thousand 
riflemen. The battle wa"s a desperate one. Ferguson 
w^as slain, and three hundred of his men killed or 
wounded. Eight hundred threw down their arms and 
begged for quarter. Ten of the leading tory prisoners 
were court martialed and condemned to be hanged. 

To add to other troubles was added one of great 
weight — the absence of money. Continental notes, 
which at issue were received at par, by 1780 were 
scarcely worth two cents on the dollar. Business was 
paralyzed for want of money. Robert Morris and a 
few other wealthy men came forward with their 
private fortunes and saved tlie country. The mothers 
of the land did all that in their power lay, and soon 
the soldiers were comfortably clothed and fed. 

And now came the news that shocked the country- 
Benedict Arnold was a traitor. Like many men in 
the nineteenth century, he had lived so far beyond his 
means that he began a deliberate system of frauds on 
the commissary department. He was commander of 
Philadelphia at the time. For this he was tried and 
convicted by court martial, and yet after this he asked 
for and obtained command of West Point. He as- 
sumed control of the arsenal and depot of that place. 
He then entered into a secret conference with Sir 
Henry Clinton, and offered to sell his country for 
what he could get. And the agreement went still 
further. The British fleet was to sail up the Hudson 
and the garrison and fort would be given to them. 
The man selected to hold a conference with Benedict 



308 FOVll HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Arnold was Major John Andre, a young man 
of great promise and attractiveness and adju- 
tant-general of the British army. He went in 
full uniform and the meeting was held outside the 
American lines. It was a little after midnight when 
he went on shore from the Vulture, and met Arnold in 
a thicket. Daybreak came, and Andre went inside 
disguised as a spy. The next day saw the completion 
of the business. Arnold was to surrender West Point 
for ten thousand pounds and a commission as brigadier 
in the British army. Andre received papers contain- 
ing a description of West Point, its defences and the 
best method of attack. But that day an American 
battery drove the Vulture dov/n the river, and Andre 
was obliged to cross to the other side and return by 
land. He passed the American outposts in safety, but 
at Tarrytown three militiamen, John Paulding, David 
Williams and Isaac van Wart, stopped him. They 
stripped him and found his papers, and delivered him 
to Colonel Jameson at North Castle. Arnold on hear- 
ing the news escaped on board the Vulture. Andre 
was tried by court martial and under the code was 
obliged to be hung. Though this execution was un- 
avoidable, the people of America have always re- 
gretted the act. Benedict Arnold never stepped his 
foot on American ground again, and from this time 
he was a man desolate, without friends or country. 

January of 178 1 was a dark month. The army was 
dejected. They had not received clothing or pay 
and w^ere half starved. The entire Pennsylvania line 
mutinied on this day and marched on to Philadelphia. 
At Princeton they were met by emissaries sent out 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 3O9 

by Sir Henry Clinton, who tempted them with offers 
of clothing and money if they would come under the 
British standard. But the ragged, starving men by 
way of answer seized the British agents and delivered 
them to General Wayne to be hanged. The com- 
missioners of congress offered the insurgents a liberal 
reward, but it was refused and after some liberal con- 
cessions the mutiny was quelled. Two weeks later 
there v^as a revolt in the New Jersey brigade. Wash- 
ington quelled this by force. 

General Howe marched to the camp with five hun- 
dred regulars and compelled the mutineers to execute 
their own leaders. Peace and good order was restored. 
Congress now became thoroughly frightened and sent 
to France for a loan of money. Robert Morris was 
made secretary of finance and the Bank of North 
America was organized to aid the government. 

Benedict Arnold received his commission from the 
British commandant at New York. He was brigadier 
in the British army. In November Washington and 
Majof-Lee had attempted to capture him in this way. 
Sergeant John Champe undertook the work. He 
deserted to the enemy, entered New York, joined 
Arnold's company, and concocted measures to abduct 
him from the city. But Arnord moved his quarters, 
and the plan was defeated. A month afterward he 
was given command of sixteen men, and on the i6th 
of December left New York for Virginia, and in 
January the traitor began war on his countrymen. 
He seemed to find great pleasure in devastating and 
destroying property and laid waste many of the 
beautiful places about Richmond. He then took up 



310 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

quarters at Portsmouth, and Washington again planned 
his capture. The French fleet was ordered to co- 
operate with La Fayette in the attempt. But Admiral 
Arbuthnot drove the French squadron back to Rhode 
Island. La Fayette abandoned the undertaking and 
Arnold escaped. 

In April General Phillips arrived at Portsmouth 
and assumed command of the army. In May he died 
and for seven days Arnold was supreme commander 
of the British forces in Virginia* On the 20th Lord 
Cornwallis arrived and ordered him to " begone." 
He returned to New York, and made an expedition 
against New London. Fort Griswold, which was 
commanded by Colonel Ledyard, was carried by 
storm, and when Ledyard surrendered seventy-three 
of the garrison were murdered in cold blood. Such 
was the ferocity of Arnold. 

The American army at Charlotte, North Carolina, 
was now under command of General Greene. Gen- 
eral Morgan had been sent early in January into the 
Spartanburg district of South Carolina to repress the 
tories. Colonel Tarleton followed with his cavalry. 
The Americans stationed themselves at Cowpens, 
where on January 17th they were attacked by the 
British. Tarleton came at them most impetuously, 
but Morgan held his ground. The American cavalry 
under Colonel William Washington made a charge 
and scattered the British dragoons like dandelion 
seeds. Ten British officers and ninety men never 
more answered to roll call. When Lord Cornwallis 
heard of the battle he started out to settle the saucy 
Morgan, but Greene hastened to the camp and took 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 3II 

command in person. The Americans reached the 
Catawba and crossed to the northern bank. Within 
two hours the British arrived, and lo, from the 
heavens there came a great rain, so that the ford was 
impassable for days. Then there was a race for the 
Yadkin. It was sixty miles away. The Americans 
reached the river in two days. The British came in 
eight while they were crossing, but again the heavens 
opened and the flood came down, and Cornwallis was 
again delayed. The lines of retreat and pursuit came 
pretty near being parallel. There was a third race 
and the Americans won it. On the 13th Greene with 
the main division crossed the Dan into Virginia, and 
on February 22nd General Greene returned into North 
Carolina. 

Meantime Cornwallis felt that the tories needed 
encouragement, and so he sent Tarleton into the 
region between the Haw and Deep rivers to encourage 
the tories. Three hundred loyalists were already 
under arms in that region. While marching to join 
Tarleton they were met and dispersed by Colonel 
Lee. And now Greene's army consisted of more than 
four thousand men, and he felt ready for battle, so he 
marched to Guilford Court House, and Cornwallis 
moved forward to the attack. The first encounter 
was on March 15th, but was not decisive. The 
Americans were driven back several miles, bat the 
British loss was much heavier. Cornwallis retreated 
to Wilmington and from there to Virginia. Lord 
Rawdon commanded the British forces in the Caro- 
linas. The Americans advanced and took Fort 
Watson on the Santee, and Greene took a position at 



312 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Hobkirk's Hill near Camden. Rawdon moved on 
the American camp on April 25th. A severe battle 
ensued, and the British seemed almost routed once, 
but at last the American center was broken and the 
battle lost. Rawdon retired to Eutaw Springs and 
the British posts at Orangeburg and Augusta fell into 
the hands of the Americans. Ninety Six was be- 
sieged by General Greene. The water was cut off 
from the fort, and the garrison reduced to the point of 
surrendering when Rawdon approached and Greene 
withdrew. 

The sickly months were coming on and Greene 
withdrew his command for sanitary reasons to the 
mountainous district. Lord Rawdon went to Charles- 
ton and became chief actor in one of the most dis- 
graceful scenes of the revolution. Colonel Isaac 
Hayne, a patriot who had once taken the oath of 
allegiance to the king, was caught commanding a 
troop of cavalry (American). He was brought before 
Colonel Balfour, commandant at Charleston, con- 
demned and ordered to be hanged. Rawdon gave his 
sanction, and Colonel Hayne was executed. 

But during all this time Sumter, Lee and Marion 
were harassing the enemy at every point. General 
Greene marched to Orangeburg August 22nd. 
The British forces were at Eutaw Springs. The 
Americans overtook them there on September 8th and 
one of the fiercest battles of the war was fought. 
General Greene would have had a decisive victory but 
for the bad conduct of some of his troops. After 
losing five hundred and fifty-five men he gave up the 
struggle. The British loss was nearly seven hundred. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLULION. 



313 



Stuart retreated to Monk's Corner ; Greene followed ; 
and it took two months of manoeuvring to drive them 
into Charleston again. All the south except Charles- 
ton and Savannah were under the government of the 
United States. Savannah was evacuated on the nth 
of July, Charleston on the 14th of December, 1782. 

It was early in May, 1781, that Cornwallis took 
command of the British army in Virginia. The value 
of property destroyed was not less than fifteen mil- 
lions. They were quite equal to the Goths and Van- 
dals. La Fayette, who commanded Virginia unde^ 
Washington, was unable to meet Cornwallis in the 
field. While the British were near Richmond Tarle- 
ton proceeded to Charlottesville, where the legislators 
were in session, and captured seven of them. Gov- 
ernor Jefferson escaped to the mountains. General 
Wayne, who led La Fayette's advance, on the 6th of 
July suddenly attacked the whole British army at 
Green Springs on the James. Cornwallis was sur- 
prised and Wayne, observing his mistake, got his 
forces aw^ay before Cornwallis could recover. The 
loss of the two armies was equal, a hundred and 
twenty on each side. 

The British went to Portsmouth and a little later to 
Yorktown on the southern bank of the York river. 
La Fayette followed, and his post was only eight 
miles from the British. During July and August 
Washington, encamped on the Hudson, greatly de- 
sired to go south. General Clinton was kept in a 
8tate of unrest by intercepting false despatches, which 
indicated that the Americans would soon besiege 
New York, and when Clinton was told that Wash- 



314 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

ington was on his way south he had the best of 
reasons for not believing it. Washington marched 
rapidly and joined La Fayette at Williamsburg. 
August 30th a French fleet with four thousand troops 
on board sailed into the Chesapeake and anchored in 
the mouth of the York river. And now Cornwallig 
was blockaded by land and sea ; and Count de Barras, 
with his fleet of French vessels at Newport, also 
arrived on the 5th of September, and now too came 
Admiral Graves. A naval battle ensued and the 
British ships were no longer masters of the high seas. 
On the 29th the allied armies camped about York- 
town, and on the 6th of October the trenches were 
opened at six hundred yards from the British works. 
On the nth the allies drew their second parallel 
within three hundred yards of the British redoubts. 
The night of the 14th the British outer works were 
carried by storm. On the i6th the British made a 
sortie, but were driven back, and on the very next 
day Cornwallis proposed a surrender, and on the i8th 
terms of capitulation were signed, and on the 19th 
the entire British army (seven thousand two hundred 
and forty-seven), English and Hessians, laid down 
their arms and surrendered themselves. The news 
reached congress on the 23rd. Remember, there were 
neither steam cars, telegraphs or telephones in those 
days. And on the morrow the assembly went with 
the citizens to the Dutch Lutheran church and had a 
devout thanksgiving, and the notes of rejoicing were 
echoed and re-echoed all over the land. In England 
the king and his ministers heard the news w^ith rage, 
but the people of England smiled when there was no 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 315 

one to see them. Many of them sympathized with 
America. 

The 20th of March, 1783, Lord North and his 
friends sent in their resignations. A new ministry 
favorable to peace was formed. The command of the 
British forces in America was given to Sir Guy 
Carleton, who was favorable to American interests. 
Richard Oswald was sent over in the summer of 1782 
to make terms of peace with Franklin and Jay ; John 
Adams and Henry Laurens also were called to assist 
in the negotiations The 30th of November the 
preliminary articles of peace were signed and in April 
following congress ratified the terms, and on the 3rd 
of November following a final treaty was signed be- 
tween all the nations that had been at war. 

The terms of treaty of 1783 were a -complete 
recognition of the independence of the United States ; 
the cession by Great Britain of Florida to Spain ; a 
surrender of the remaining territory east of the 
Mississippi to the United States ; the free navigation 
of the Mississippi and the lakes and the retention of 
Canada and Nova Scotia by the British. 

Sir Guy Carleton received instructions to evacuate 
New York early in August and the 25th of November 
the British army embarked and were soon lost to 
human vision. Washington called together his oflEicers 
on the 4th of December and said farewell. With tears 
and sobs they parted from him who had led them on 
to victory through a war of eight years. He departed 
at once for Annapolis, where congress was in session, 
and the whole route was a triumphal procession. After 
he reached Philadelphia, he made a report to congress 



3l6 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

of the entire expenses of the war — seventy-fouf 
thousand four hundred and eighty-five dollars — every 
penny duly accounted for. On the 23rd of December, 
Washington was introduced to congress and delivered 
an address incomparable for wisdom and modesty. 
With great dignity he surrendered his commission as 
commander-in-chief of the army. General Mifflin* 
the president of congress, responded eloquently, and 
the father of his country retired to Mount Vernon. 



r 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE UNION OF THE STATES. 

WHILE the revolution was in progress the civil 
government was in a pitiable condition. It 
was only the peril of the country that called 
congress, and when that body met it was without a 
constitution or efficient power of action. "There were 
two great wants. The first was money, the second 
v\ as a central authority to direct the war." Benjamin 
Franklin vs^as one of the first who worked for a better 
government. He laid before congress the better plan 
in 1775. It was for a perpetual confederation of the 
states. But no attention could be paid to it then, the 
war demanding all attention. Congress without any 
real authority conducted the government as best it 
could, and this government was generally accepted by 
the states. 

In June, 1776 (nth day), congress appointed a com- 
mittee to prepare a plan for the confederation of the 
sliites. The committee labored a month and then the 
plan was laid before the hoirse. This was about the 
middle of July, 1776, and the plan was debated a great 
many times before its adoption in November, 1777, 
when it was put to vote and adopted. After this the 
articles were to be transmitted to the state legislatures 
for ratification. The frame of government was great- 
ly amended before its return. The amendments hav- 
ing been considered, the articles were signed by the 



3l8 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

delegates from eight states July 9th, 1778, and eight 
months later five more states had come into the con- 
federation, and in March, 1781, Maryland too signed 
the articles. 

This confederation was not ideally perfect. The' 
executive and legislative powers were vested 
in congress, a body to be composed of not less 
than two or more than seven representatives from each 
state. The sovereignty was reserved to the states* 
There was no mention of chief magistrate and no 
general judiciary provided for. The consent of nine 
states was necessary to complete an act of legislation. 
The union was declared to be perpetual. 

Congress assembled for the first time under the new 
constitution on March 2d, 1781. The inadequacy of 
the government was felt from the first, for congress 
had no real authority. The first duty was to make 
provision for the payment of thirty-eight million 
dollars which had been borrowed to meet expenses of 
the war. Congress thought a general tax would be 
the best way to meet the indebtedness. Some of 
the states made a levy for that purpose, while others 
refused, and Robert Morris, the richest man in 
America, who willingly loaned his all, came to 
poverty. The condition of affairs was disheartening. 
Washington advised the calling of a convention to 
meet at Annapolis. The proposition was kindly re- 
ceived and September, 1786, found representatives of 
five states present. The question of a tarifl[ was dis- 
cussed and some time consumed in the revision of the 
articles of confederation. But it was adjourned until 
the following year. 



THE UNION OF THE STATES. 319 

Congress asked the legislatures to appoint delegates 
to this convention. All of the states save Rhode 
Island sent delegates, and on the second Monday in 
May, 1787, the representatives assembled at Philadel- 
phia. Washington was elected president of the con- 
vention. Edmund Randolph introduced a resolution 
to adopt a new constitution. This was on May 29th. 
A committee was at once appointed to revise the 
articles of confederation. The report of the com- 
mittee was adopted and that report was the constitu- 
tion of the United States. The people were not in unison 
when the question came up of adopting it. Those who 
were in favor of adopting it were called federalists and 
those who opposed anti-federalists. The leaders of the 
federalists were Washington, Jay, Madison and Hamil- 
ton, who bent all his energies in favoring the adop- 
tion of the new constitution. In those papers which 
upheld the federal cause Hamilton and Madison an- 
swered every objection of the anti-federal party. To 
Hamilton we as a nation owe more than to any one 
«else for "having established on a firm basis the true 
principles of free government." 

Under the constitution of the United States the 
powers of government were under three heads : legis- 
lative, executive and judicial. The legislative power 
is vested in congress, which is composed of a senate 
and house of representatives. The senators are chosen 
for a term of six years by the legislatures of the 
several states. Each state is represented by two 
senators. The representatives are elected by the peo- 
ple, and each state is entitled to a number of repre- 
sentatives in proportion to its population. These 



320 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

members are chosen for two years. The executive 
power is vested in a president, chosen for four years 
by the electoral college. The electors composing the 
college are chosen by the people, and each state is 
entitled to as many electors as there are representa- 
tives and senators from that state. 

The president's duty is to enforce the laws of con- 
gress in accordance with the constitution. He is also 
commander-in-chief of the armies and navies. In case 
of the death or resignation of the president the vice- 
president becomes chief magistrate. 

The judicial power of the United States is vested 
in a supreme court and in inferior courts established 
by congress. The highest judicial officer is the chief 
justice. The judges hold their offices through life on 
good behavior. 

The right of trial by jury is granted in all cases 
except impeachment of public officers. Treason 
against the United States consists in levying war 
against them or in giving aid to their enemies. The 
constitution also provides that new territories may be 
organized and new states admitted into the union ; 
that to every state shall be guaranteed a republican 
government ; and that the constitution may be altered 
or amended by the consent of two-thirds of both 
houses of congress and three-fourths of the legislatures 
of the states. In accordance with this provision 
fifteen amendments have been made since. 

Eleven states had adopted the constitution before 
the end of 1788. The new government was to go 
into operation when nine states should ratify. North 
Carolina and Rhode Island believed in great delibera- 



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THE UNION OF THE STATES. ^2 1 

tion and so took plenty of time. According lo an act 
of congress, the first Wednesday of January, 1789, was 
named as the day of election of chief magistrate. The 
people chose Washington. Early in April the ballots 
were counted and George Washington was unani- 
mously chosen president and John Adams vice-presi- 
dent of the United States. The notification of his 
election reached him the 14th of the month and at 
once he set out for New York, and he met with a 
constant ovation everywhere through his route. 

On the 30th of April Washington was inaugurated 
first president of the United States. The ceremony 
was performed on the balcony of the old city hall where 
the Wall street custom house now stands. Chancellor 
Livingston of New York administered the oath of 
office. The streets and house tops were crowded with 
people. Flags were hung from every house. Can- 
nons were fired from the battery. Washington 
delivered his inaugural address in the senate chamber. 
Congress had already been organized. There were 
perplexing difficulties before the first congress. By 
the treaty with England the free navigation of the 
Mississippi was guaranteed. Now the Spaniards of 
New Orleans hindered the passage of American ships, 
and on the frontier the Indians were at wf-r with the 
settlers, and America had no financial credit. On 
September loth an act of congress inst'tuting a 
department of foreign affairs, a treasury department 
and a department of war was passed. President 
Washington nominated JefiTerson secretary of foreign 
affairs, Knox secretary of war and Hamilton secretary 
of the treasury. A supreme court was organized. 



1^22 FOUR HTTNOKKD YEARS OF AMERICA. 

John Jay was the lirst chief justice. Edmund Ran- 
dolph was chosen attorney-general. 

In the meantime Rhode Island and North Carolina 
had ratified the constitution. The war debt, including 
the revolutionary expenses of several states, came to 
nearly eighty millions of dollars. Hamilton's policy 
was a broad and honest one. He proposed that the 
debt of the United States to individual states, as well as 
to American citizens, should be assumed by the govern- 
ment and allhe paid in full. This measure did much to 
improve the credit of the country. Hamilton's financial 
schemes were violently opposed by Jefferson and the 
anti-federal party. Where should the seat of govern- 
ment be? was a question, and they agreed to establish 
the capital for ten years at Philadelphia, and after- 
wards somewhere else on the Potomac. 

The next measure was to organize the territory 
5outh-west of the Ohio. The Miami Indians had gone 
to war with the United States m 1790. The tribes 
went to war to recover lands that they nad ceded to 
the United States. General Harmar was ordered with 
fourteen hundred men to convince them of the error 
of taking back what they had once given. General 
Harmar marcned from Fort Washington (now Cincin- 
nati) to the Maumee. The army was badly defeated 
with heavy losses at the ford of this stream. General 
Harmar retreated to Fort Washington. 

The bank of the United States was established by 
act of congess and Vermont, which had been an in- 
dependent territory since 1777, came into the union, 
making it the fourteenth State. The claim of New York 
to the province had been purchased in 1789 for thirty 



THE UNION OF THE STATES. 323 

thousand dollars. The census for 1790 showed the 
population to be three million nine hundred and 
twenty-nine thousand. 

General St. Clair with two thousand men after 
Harmar's defeat started after the Miamis. He was 
attacked by them in Mercer county. Little Turtle 
was captain of two thousand braves and a number of 
renegade whites. After a terrible battle St. Clair was 
completely defeated, with a loss of half his men. 
The remnant fled to Fort Washington. It was with 
great sorrow that the nation heard of this loss. General 
Wayne superseded St. Clair. This was the Anthony 
Wayne whom people called for his daring Mad 
Anthony. There were now nearly seventy-three 
thousand people in Kentucky. Daniel Boone, a noted 
hunter of North Carolina, had seventeen years previous- 
ly settled at Boonesborough. The towns of Lexington 
and Harrodsbur^ were founded about the same time. 
The pioneers had suffered greatly during the revolu- 
tion. The Indians were constantly attacking one or 
the other of the settlements. General Clarke came in 
1779 and after his expedition emigrants came by scores 
and then by thousands. Virginia had relinquished 
her claim to the territory, and in 1792, June ist, Ken- 
tucky came into the union. 

The second presidential election was now at hand 
and Washington and Adams were again re-elected. 
During his second administration there was much 
trouble with foreign governments. Citizen Genet, 
sent out as minister to the United States, arrived at 
Charleston. All Americans felt kindly to the French 
government, so Genet was met with enthusiasm, and 



324 FOL/'K HUNDKKD YEARS OF AMERICA. 

taking advantage of his popularity the wretched man 
fitted out privateers at his own expense to steal on 
the high seas the vessels laden with British stores, 
and then planned an expedition against Louisiana, 
and when Washington refused to enter into an alliance 
with France the minister threatened to appeal to the 
people. But Washington, not a whit scared, demanded 
the minister's recall, and he found it necessary to re- 
turn. Mr. Fouchet succeeded him. 

The whiskey insurrection in Pennsylvania in 1794 
disturbed the country. Three years previously congress 
had imposed a tax on all ardent spirits distilled in the 
United States. The French freebooter Genet and 
his friends had incited the distillers to resist the tax 
collectors. The whiskey distillers arose in arms. 
Washington issued two proclamations warning the in- 
surgents to disperse ; and rather than obey his orders 
they "fired upon the government officers. Henry Lee 
with a strong detachment of troops marched to the 
scence of the disturbance and dispersed them. 

General Wayne entered the Indian country in the 
fall of 1793. His force was three thousand. He 
built Fort Recovery near the scene of St. Clair's 
defeat, and Fort Defiance at the junction of the 
Au Glaize and Maumee. Descending the Maumee, he 
sent proposals of peace to the enemy, who were hold- 
ing council only a few miles away. Little Turtle 
would have made a treaty of peace, but the majority of 
the Indians were for war. Wayne overtook the savages 
at the town Waynesfield on the 20th of August, and 
routed them with great loss, so that the chieftains 
were obliged to purchase peace by ceding to the 



THE UNION OF THE STATES. 325 

United States all the territory east of a line drawn 
from Fort Recovery to the mouth of the Kentucky 
river. General Wayne died in December of 1896, and 
was buried at Presque Isle. 

George III had in 1793 issued instructions to British 
privateers to seize all neutral vessels found trading in 
the French West Indies. The United States was not 
notified of this measure, and American commerce to 
the value of many millions was taken by English 
privateers. Chief Justice Jay was sent as envoy to 
demand redress of the British government and his 
mission was successful, though it was contrary to ex- 
pectation. In 1794 an honorable treaty was concluded 
and it was specified in the treaty that Great Britain 
should make reparation for the injuries done and sur- 
render to the United States certain western posts 
which still had been held by the English. 

The boundary line between the United States and 
Louisiana was not settled until 1795. Spain granted 
to the Americans the free navigation of the Mississippi. 
Next came a dififtculty with the dey of Algiers, 
Pirates from Algiers had been marauding on the ocean 
and capturing ships of all nations. The dey had 
agreed with several nations that his ships should not 
annoy them if he was paid an annual tribute ; and 
when this had been arranged he turned the pirates 
loose in American waters, and the government of the 
United States was also compelled to pay tribute to 
him. 

Tennessee came into the union in 1796. Six years 
previously North Carolina had surrendered her claims 
to the territory. There was already a population of 



326 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

more than seventy thousand. The first inhabitants 
were from the Carolinas, and were said to have been 
the hardiest of pioneers. 

Washington's second term of office was about 
ended. He could not be prevailed upon to become a 
candidate for the third time. He issued his farewell 
address in September of 1796. It contained great 
wisdom as well as patriotism. The political parties 
at once selected candidates. John Adams was the 
choice of the federal party ahd Thomas Jefferson of 
the anti-federal. The chief question between the 
parties was whether it w^as the true policy to enter 
into intimate relations with France. The anti- 
federalists said yes, the federals said no. On that 
issue Mr. Adams was elected, but Mr. Jeff erson, having 
the next highest number of votes, was vice-president. 
This was according to the old provision of the consti- 
tution. The person who stood second on the list 
became the second officer in the government. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 

PRESIDENT ADAMS was inaugurated on 
March 4th, 1797. His administration was 
annoyed by political opposition. The French 
minister Adet urged the government to conclude a 
league with France against Breat Britain. The presi- 
dent and congress were opposed to the alliance. And 
then the French directory began to demand an alli- 
ance, and on the loth of March that body issued 
instructions to French men-of-war to assail the com- 
merce of the United States. And Mr. Pinckney, 
American minister, was ordered home. This was of 
course equivalent to a declaration of war. The presi- 
dent convened congress in extraordinary session. 
Elbridge Gerry and John Marshall were directed to 
join Mr. Pinckney in a final effort for a peaceable 
adjustment of the difficulties. But the directory re- 
fused to receive the embassadors except upon con- 
dition that they would pay into the French treasury a 
quarter million of dollars. Pinckney replied that the 
United States had fnillions for defence^ but not a cent 
for tribute. The envoys were then ordered to leave 
the country. 

So an act was passed in 1798 by congress complet- 
ing the organization of the army. Washington was 
called from his retirement and appointed commander- 
in-chief of the army. Hamilton was elected first 



328 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

major-general. The previous year a navy had been 
provided for at the session, and a national loan author- 
ized. The treaties with France were declared void, 
and vigorous preparations made for war. The Ameri- 
can frigates put to sea and in the fall of 1799 did 
good service. Commodore Truxtun in the Constella- 
tion v^z.% particularly distinguished for this. While 
cruising in the West Indies he came across the French 
man-of-war Insurgent^ carrying forty guns and over 
four hundred seamen. He attacked them and the 
battle was desperate, but Truxtun won and this was 
on the 9th of February. 

But about this time the directory of France went 
down and Napoleon Bonaparte created himself first 
consul. At once he sought peace with the United 
States, and in March of 1800 three embassadors were 
sent to France — Murray, Ellsworth and Davie. Ne- 
gotiations were at once entered into and in September 
a treaty of peace was confirmed. 

But Washington did not live to see this peace. On 
the 14th of December he was called to a higher place 
than that of commander-in-chief of the American 
army. America mourned for him. Congress went in 
funeral procession to the German Lutheran church 
and listened reverently to General Henry Lee's touch- 
ing and beautiful oration. And throughout the world 
the memory of the mighty man was honored with 
appropriate ceremonies. Napoleon himself announced 
the event to the legions of France in an exquisite 
tribute. 

In 1800 the population was five millions, and the 
exports seventy-one million dollars. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE ADVANCE OF AGRICULTURE. 

THE first movement towards the improvement 
of farm lands was in 1784 by a society for the 
promotion of agriculture at Philadelphia. 
Similar societies were formed in New York in 1791, 
in Massachusetts in 1792, and in South Carolina. The 
formation of such societies had only just begun in 
England. Few understood how these societies were 
to operate. The membership was small, and so there 
was very little result at first. Washington felt the 
good such institution might do and was a deeply 
interested honorary member of the Philadelphia or- 
ganization while still president. He was a thoroughly 
practical farmer on a large scale, and so too were 
Adams and Jefferson. He carried on a correspondence 
with Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair of England, 
who were enthusiastic farmers, men who sa"w the 
immense benefit that might accrue from earnest 
workers in such a body. These men suggested to him 
the value of a national agricultural board founded and 
fostered by the United States government. But 
Washington felt that the country was not yet ready 
for it and that smaller societies should precede it. 
These organizations were slow to form at first. The 
Kennebec agricultural society was instituted at 
Augusta, Maine, in 1800. This was the second 
Massachusetts society, for Maine was as yet under 



330 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Massachusetts' jurisdiction, and was not a separate 
state. 

The first agricultural fair was held at Washington, 
then spoken of as "the city in the woods," in 1804. 
This was held in October under the auspices of the 
municipal authorities, and it showed the practical ad- 
vantage of exhibiting choice products and stock. The 
next fair was held at Georgetown, D. C, 1809, in ^^7- 
The society under whose auspices it was conducted 
was called "The Columbian Agricultural Society for 
the Promotion of Rural and Domestic Economy." 
Large premiums were offered for sheep raising. In 
1816 the Massachusetts society held a fair at Brighton. 
Premiums were offered for many things and there was 
a ploughing match to show the training of the oxen. 
These fairs brought the people together and there was 
iriterchange of thought and ideas. They excited pleas- 
ant rivalry ; they brought to light those farmers who 
had the best breeds of sheep and cattle and swine, 
and then, as now, there was demand for fine and swift 
horses as well as horses of endurance, for most horses 
were accustomed to carry two persons. These agri- 
cultural societies also collected and printed such in- 
formation on agricultural subjects as they could get, 
individual members contributing papers on topics they 
were conversant with and which would be beneficial to 
the public. These papers were treasured, too. Well I 
remember a great chest of Maine Fartiiers and Augusta 
Ages that my father had kept from his boyhood and on 
leaving Maine he rented a store room tor them. He 
knew it would be direst folly to take such things to 
the west and in his heart he could not destroy them, 



THE ADVANCE OF AGRICULTURE. 33I 

SO he rented space tor them and gave the neighbors 
a general invitation to help themselves. For forty 
years these societies held infrequent meetings, but 
since 1840 they have grown rapidly. In 1841 quite 
an effort was made in Washington to organize a 
national agricultural college with the fund bequeathed 
for that purpose by Hugh Smithson, but the estab- 
lishment of the Smithsonian institute made the 
endowment available for other purposes, and for a 
time the project was abandoned. But in 1852 a con- 
vention of one hundred and fifty-two delegates, 
representing twelve state organizations, and eleven 
other states and territories, met and organized a 
national society, which was the realization of George 
Washington's idea. In 1867 there were one thousand 
three hundred and sixty-seven organizations in this 
country. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



POPULATION. 



F 



ROM the statistics of 1701, found in "The 
Family Encyclopedia," published by Charles A. 
Goodrich in 1834, I copy the following : 



Massachusetts 70,000 

Connecticut 30,000 

Rhode Island 10,000 

New Hampshire 10,000 

New York 30 000 

East and West Jersey I5.000 

Pennsylvania 20,000 

Maryland 25,000 

Virginia 40,000 

North Carolina , 5,000 

South Carolina 7,000 

Total .^ 262,000 

POPULATION OF COLONIES IN 1749. 

New Hampshire 30,000 

Massachusetts 220.000 

Rhode Island 35.000 

Connecticut 100,000 

New York 100,000 

East and West Jersey 60.000 

Pennsylvania and Delaware 250,000 

Maryland 85,000 

Virginia! 85 000 

North Carolina 45.000 

South Carolina 30.000 

Georgia b,ooo 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Jefferson's administration. 

IN December of 1800, congress assembled in Wash- 
ington City, for Maryland and Virginia had ceded 
to the United States the District of Columbia, a 
tract of land ten miles square lying on both sides of 
the Potomac. The city was laid out in 1792, and in 
1800 the population was between eight and nine 
thousand. 

It was said in those days that the Federal party 
might have retained control of the government had 
it not been for unpopular and unwise legislation. 
"The alien law,'* by which the president was author- 
ized to send foreigners out of the country, was an un- 
popular one. The sedition law was even more odious 
and was denounced as tyrannical. Freedom of Speech 
and of the press was punishable with fines and im- 
prisonment. Partisan excitement ran high. The 
candidates for president and vice-president were Mr. 
Adams and Mr. Pinckney on "the Federalist ticket and 
on the Anti-Federalist Thomas Jefferson and Aaron 
Burr. The election was thrown into the house of 
representatives and the choice fell on Jefferson and 
Burr. As has been done ever since, Mr. Jefferson 
gave chief offices to those of the Anti-Federalist Oi' 
Democratic party hecause men. of the same belief in 
politics would work together better. Abolishing the 
system of internal revenues was one of their first acts 



334 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OJF" AMERICA. 

and the laws against the freedom of the press and 
aliens were very soon repealed. 

Indiana and Ohio were organized in this way : In 
1800 a line was drawn through the north-west 
territory from the mouth of the Great Miami river 
through Fort Recovery to Canada. Two years later 
the territory east of that line became Ohio and west 
of it Indiana territory, with Vincennes for its capital, 
and General William Henry Harrison for its governor. 
Mississippi was the territory next organized. The 
purchase of Louisiana was of still greater importance. 
In 1800 Napoleon had cottipelled Spain to cede the 
state to France, and he prepared an army to go to- 
New Orleans to establish his authority. But the 
United States remonstrated against such a proceeding 
and Napoleon authorized his minister to sell Loui- 
siana. It was on the 30th of April, 1803, that the 
terms were agreed on. James Monroe and Mr. Liv- 
ingston were appointed by the president to make the 
purchase. The sum paid was eleven million two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. America was 
also to pay certain debts due from France to 
American citizens, the sum not to exceed three million 
seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The 
southern portion of this immense tract of land became 
known as the territory of Orleans, which is the same 
as now the state of Louisiana. 

John Marshall became chief justice of the United 
States in 1801. It had now become necessary to 
modify the law suitable to a republic, as heretofore 
English law had prevailed in America. This great 
work was accomplished by Justice Marshall. 



jeffersom's administration. 335 

Still there was trouble with the pirates of the 
Mediterranean, the emperors of Morocco, Algiers and 
Tripoli sending out their wicked ships to seize every 
American merchantman that was unlucky enousjh to 
come near them. In 1803 Commodore Preble was 
sent to the Mediterranean to protect American com- 
merce and punish the pirates. The frigate Philadel- 
phia^ under Captain Bainbridge, sailed to Tripoli. 
When nearing his destination he gave chase to a 
pirate which fled for safety to the harbor and the poor 
Philadelphia ran upon a reef of rocks and was cap- 
tured by the pirates, who showed some respect to the 
officers, but enslaved the crew. The next February 
saw Captain Decatur on his way to Tripoli in a Moor- 
ish ship named The Intrepid. At nightfall Decatur 
steered into the harbor, slipped alongside the Phila- 
delphia, sprang on deck with his daring men and in a 
very short space of time had killed or driven over- 
board every Moor and fired the frigate. Not a man 
was lost to the Americans. In July of 1804 Commo- 
dore Preble arrived at Tripoli and began a siege. 
Several vessels were destroyed and the town was 
bombarded, and vvhile this was going on William 
Eaton, the American consul at Tunis, had organized 
a force and was marching overland to Tripoli. Hamet, 
who was the rightful sovereign of Tripoli, was co- 
operating with Eaton in an attempt to recover his 
kingdom. Yusef, the Tripolitan emperor, alarmed at 
the dangers around him, made overtures for peace. 
His offer was accepted by Mr. Lear, the American 
consul for the Barbary states, and a treaty was signed 
June 4th, 1805. 



336 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

It was in 1804 that the whole country was shocked 
with the intelligence that Vice-President Burr had 
killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Burr was 
quite aware that he would not be renominated ior 
vice-president, so in 1803 he was announced as a 
candidate for the governorship of New York. Burr 
was an unusually bad man, and there is no doubt but 
Hamilton's influence in that state kept him from 
receiving the nomination. Burr tried to quarrel with 
Hamilton, challenged him, met him at Weehawken 
on the morning of July nth, and deliberately rnur- 
dered him. Hamilton was believed to have possessed 
the brightest intellect in America, and next to Wash- 
ington he was probably the man most universally 
beloved. Burr fled after he had committed the mur- 
der and came not back at opening of congress. Jef- 
ferson was re-elected in 1804 and for vice-president 
George Clinton was chosen instead of Burr. 

The next year Michigan was taken from the great 
north-western territory and Captains Lewis and Clarke 
set out for the falls of the Missouri river with thirty- 
five soldiers and hunters to explore Oregon. For two 
years, through the forest primeval and along the banks 
of rivers unknown to white men, they continued their 
explorations. After traversing a route of six thousand 
miles the adventurers with the loss of only one man 
arrived at home. 

In the meantime Burr, who was a man of great personal 
charm, fell in with Mr. Blannerhasset and his wife. 
They were exiles from Ireland and came to America 
to make a home. They were possessed of great 
wealth and built them an elegant mansion on an island 



JEFFERSON S ADMINISTRATION. 337 



which still bears the name of Blannerhasset in the 
Ohio river, opposite the mouth of the Muskingum. 
Burr made a tool of Blannerhasset and borrowed so 
much of him in carrying out his scheme, the truth of 
which he kept concealed from Blannerhasset until the 
exposure by the government's seizure of military stores. 
It has been said that the advantage taken by Burr of 
Blannerhasset and his beautiful wife was the crown- 
ing wickedness of his life. So fascinating a man was 
he that alter being arrested for treason it became 
necesssary to have every member of the guard swear 
they would hold no conversation with him. Burr 
was tried for treason and again his wonderful power 
over the hearts of men held sway, for he .was declared 
not guilty. Poor, broken-hearted Blannerhasset, after 
seeking an office in England, returned here and died 
on the isle of Guernsey. Madame Blannerhasset, 
who is described as a model of beauty as well as a 
creature of dauntless courage, died penniless in New 
York city and was buried by some Irish women. 
Burr, without friends or fortune, found a home in 
Europe, where he lived in abject poverty. Every- 
where he was shunned as a felon and an outlaw. He 
was peremptorily ordered from England, and when in 
France was under police surveillance. After many 
years passed in this way he returned to America and 
resumed the practice of law, but was, as he himself 
expressed it, "severed from the rest of mankind." 
During Jefferson's second term the country was 
troubled by the aggressions of the British navy. 
The British authorities were determined to prevent 
trade between French ports and other nations. The 



338 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

I 

plan adopted by both countries was to blockade each 
other's ports with men-of-war. By this means ihe 
commerce of the United States was greatly injured. 
In May, 1806, British ships blockaded the entire 
French coast. American vessels approaching the 
ports were seized as prizes. Bonaparte retaliated by 
ordering the British Isles blockaded. Again American 
merchantmen became prizes. In January Great 
Britain prohibited the French coasting trade. Then 
Great Britain set up her peculiar claims of citizenship 
that whoever is born in England remains subject to 
England through life, and English cruisers were sent 
out to search American vessels for English subjects. 
Those who were taken were impressed as British 
seamen. The American frigate Chesapeake was 
hailed near Fortress Monroe by the British man-of- 
war Leopard oatliG 22dof June, 1807. British officers 
came on board and demanded to search the vessel for 
deserters. The demand was refused and the ship 
cleared for action ; but before the guns could be 
charged the Leopard ^owr^iS. upon them so destructive 
a fire as to compel a surrender. Four men were taken 
from the ship, two of them American born. Great 
Britain disowned the outrage and promised to make 
amends, but the promise was not kept. Then the 
president issued a proclamation forbidding British ships 
to enter American harbors. On the 21st of December 
congress passed the embargo act, by w^hich all American 
vessels were detained in the ports of the United States, 
the object being to cut off commerce with France and 
England. But this measure was not of avail and after 
fourteen months the embargo \vas removed. 



Jefferson's administration. 339 

In November, 1808, the British government pub- 
lished an "order in council" forbidding trade with 
France and her allies, and thereupon Napoleon issued 
the Milan decree forbidding all trade with England 
and her colonies. And between Brittania and France 
American trade did not amount to much. 

And while the country was in this distressed con- 
dition Robert Fulton, an Irishman by descent and a 
Pennsylvanian by birth, was preparing a rapid method 
of navigation. He saw the great need of rapid trans- 
portation to match the rapid development of the 
nation. He built the first steamboat in New York, 
It was a homely, awkward craft. He invited some 
friends to go with him up the Hudson September 2d, 
1807. Crowds of people lined the shore. The word 
was given, but the boat stirred not. Then Fulton 
went below. The word was given again and away the 
vessel moved and reached Albany the next day, and 
for many years afterward the boat, named the Cler- 
mont, sailed the Hudson. 

Jefferson's administsation drew to a close. He 
declined a renomin^tion. During his administration 
the territorial area had been much extended. Burr's 
conspiracy of setting up a government of his own in 
Mexico had come to naught. Steam had found its 
w^ay on most of the great rivers. The valley of the 
Mississippi promised to be soon settled by the thou- 
sands of pioneers that came, but the foreign relations 
were unpleasant. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Madison's ADMiNiSTRATior 

THOMAS JEFFERSON was succeeded by 
James Madison of Virginia, and George Clinton, 
who filled the seat made vacant by Burr's 
treason, was re-elected. The new president had been 
a member of the continental congress, a delegate to 
the constitutional convention of 1784, and secretary 
of state under Jefferson. He was elected by the 
Democratic party, who sympathized with France, but 
hated great Britain. 

The embargo act was repealed by congress and 
another measure adopted by which American ships 
were allowed to go abroad, but forbidden to trade 
with Great Britain. Mr. Erskine, the British minister, 
now gave notice that by the loth of June the "order 
in council'' should be removed as far as the United 
States were concerned. But the pext spring the first 
consul issued a decree for the seizure of all American 
vessels that approached the ports of France. In 
November, however, the decree was reversed, and all 
restrictions as to the commerce of the United States 
were removed. 

But Great Britain did not conform to the promises 
of Mr. Erskine, and ships of war prowled around to en- 
force the "order in council." A crisis was approaching. 
The government of the United States was in complete 
control of those who sympathized with France. The 



Madison's administration. 341 

Americans were smarting under the insults of Great 
Britain and had adopted the motto of free trade and 
sailors' rights, and made up their minds to fight for 
their rights, since no other way seemed open to them. 
In the spring of 18 10 the third census showed a 
population of seven million two hundred and forty 
thousand souls. There were seventeen states, and a 
number of territories nearly ready to ask for admis- 
sion to the union. An Indian war was imminent, for 
the red men were alarmed at the people coming to 
settle on their grounds. Indiana was then governed 
by General Harrison. Tecumseh was at that time the 
chief. He was born near the site of Springfield, Ohio. 
His father, Puckeshinwa, had been a member of the 
Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation ; his mother, 
Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the 
same nation. They removed from Florida about the 
time of Tecumseh's birth, 1768. In 1774 Tecumseh's 
father, who had risen to be chieftain, was killed at the 
battle of Point Pleasant. It was but a little time after 
this till the young brave gave evidence of his courage 
and in 1795 he was declared chief. He at this time lived 
at Dear Creek — near what is now the beautiful little 
city of Urbana. His brother, who announced himself 
as a prophet, bore a long Indian name which in Eng- 
lish signified " open door." The chieftain and the 
prophet went to live on a tract of land on the Wabash 
river given them by the Pottawatomies and the Kicka- 
poos. He was now about thirty-seven years of age, 
five feet ten inches in height, stoutly built, of com- 
manding appearance, and of a very pleasant counte- 
nance. He had a good education for an Indian and 



342 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

kept a confidential secretary and adviser, a half-bree^, 
Billy Caldwell. Tecumseh had long been opposed to 
disposing of large grants of land to the whites. He 
undertook to unite all the tribes in a league and drive 
the white men away and visited all the tribes urging 
upon them this step, all in unison. General Harrison, 
watching the movements, became convinced that a 
great conspiracy was forming and made preparations 
to defend the settlements. During the year 1809 
Tecumseh and the prophet were constantly making 
preparations, but in that year General Harrison suc- 
ceeded in entering into a treaty with the Delawares, 
Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel river Indians 
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites 
certain lands on the Wabash. To all of this Tecum- 
seh entered a bitter protest, averring as a principal 
reason that he did not want the Indians to give up 
lands to the north and west of the Ohio river. From 
this time on there was trouble until the death of 
Tecumseh, who was at the head of a column of Indians 
in the battle of the Thames. Tecumseh was killed 
and his company fled. 

Meantime Great Britain and the United States had 
come to war on the sea. Commodore Rodgers, com- 
manding the frigate President^ hailed a vessel off the 
coast of Virginia on the 1 6th of May. Instead of a 
polite reply he received a cannon ball in the main 
mast. Rodgers responded with a broadside, silencing 
the enemy's guns. This was in the darkness. By 
morning it was discovered that it was his majesty's 
ship of war Little Belt, 

On November 4th, 181 1, the twelfth congress of the 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 343 

United States assembled. Many of the members still 
hoped tor peace, and there was no decisive measures 
that winter. On the 4th of April, 1812, an act was 
passed laying an embargo for ninety days on all 
British ships in American harbors, but Great Britain 
would not retract an iota. 

Before the outbreak of hostilities Louisiana was ad- 
mitted into the union, making the nineteenth state. 
Her population had reached seventy-seven thousand, 
and now vigorous preparations for the approaching 
conflict was made, for on the 15th of June a declara- 
tion of war was made against Great Britain. Congress 
called for twenty-five thousand regular troops and 
fifty thousand volunteers. A national loan of eleven 
millions was authorized, and the several states were 
requested to call out a hundred thousand militia. 
Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, was made com- 
mander-in-chief of the army. 

General William Hull, governor of Michigan 
territory, left Dayton on the ist of June with fifteen 
hundred men. For a long month they struggled 
through the forests till they reached the western end 
of Lake Erie. When he arrived at Maumee he sent 
the baggage to Detroit, but the British at Maiden 
were watching his movements and captured his boat 
and its contents. The Amencans got to Detroit with- 
out their luggage and on July i3th crossed the river to 
Sandwich. Hull learned that Mackinaw had been 
taken by the British and returned to Detroit, and sent 
Major Van Home to meet Major Brush, who was at 
Raisin river with reinforcements, but Tecumseh laid 
£l"n ambush for Van Home's forces and defeated them 



544 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

near Brownstown. Colonel Miller, however, with 
another detachment attacked Tecumseh's forces and. 
routed them with great loss. 

The British command was now given to General 
Brock, governor of Canada. August i6th he advanced 
to Detroit. The Americans were in their trenches 
eager for the fray. When the British w^re within 
iive hundred yards of the fort Hull raised a white 
flag. This surrender was the most shameful in 
American history. Of course all the forces under 
Hull's command were made prisoners of war, and in- 
deed the whole Michigan territory was surrendered to 
the British. Hull was court-martialed and sentenced 
to be shot, but the president pardoned him. 

For^ Dearborn stood on the present site of Chicago 
and about the time of the surrender of Detroit it also 
surrendered to an army of Indians. The garrison 
capitulated on condition of retiring without molesta- 
tion, but the Irdians had filled themselves with fire 
water and they fell on the retreating soldiers, scalping 
some and distributing the rest as captives. 

The frigate Constitution., commanded by Captain 
Isaac Hull, overtook the British Guerriere off the 
coast of Massachusetts. There was some manceuv;"ing 
and then the Constitution closed with her antagonist 
until at the distance of half pistol shot she poured a 
broadside which swept the decks of the Guerriere 
and decided the battle. The next morning the broken 
Guerriere., being unmanageable, was blown up, and 
Hull returned to port with prisoners and spoils. The 
1 8th of October following the Ameiican Wasp under 
Captain Jones came upon a fleet of British merchant- 



Madison's administration. 345 

men off the Virginia coast. The merchantmen had a 
protector in his majesty's ship of war Frolic. This 
engagement was terrific. Finally the Frolic was 
taken, but the Poictiers^ a British seventy-four gun 
ship, gave chase, captured the Wasp and retook the 
Frolic^ which was almost a wreck. 

Commodore Decatur on the 25th, commanding the 
frigate United States, captured the British Macedonian 
a little to the west of the Canary isles. The loss of 
the enemy in killed and wounded amounted to more 
than a hundred. On the J3th of December the Essex, 
commanded by Captain Porter, captured the Nocton, 
a British packet having on board fifty-five thousand 
dollars in specie. On the 29th of December the 
Constitution, under Commodore Bainbridge, met the 
yava on the Brazilian coast. The battle was furious 
and continued for two hours. The Java was reduced 
almost to kindling wood. The crew and passengers, 
numbering more than four hundred, were transferred 
to the Constitution and the hull burned at sea. There 
is no news like that of victories, and Americans were 
exultant. On the 13th of October a thousand men 
under General Stephen Van Rensselaer crossed the 
Niagara river to capture Queenstown. They were 
met at the water's edge, but at length they carried 
even the batteries on the heights. The enemy's forces 
returned to the charge, but were repulsed the second 
time. General Brock, the British commander, was 
mortally wounded. The Americans entrenched them- 
selves and waited for reinforcements. None came, 
and they were obliged to surrender after losing a 
kundred and sixty men. General Van Rensselaer 



34^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

resigned his command and General Alexander Smyth 
succeeded him. Now the Americans rallied at Black 
Rock, a little north ot Buffalo. On the 28th of 
November a company was sent across to the Canada 
shore, but General Smyth ordered the return of the 
advance party. After a few days another crossing 
was made and again they were directed to return to 
winter quarters. The militia became mutinous. Gen- 
eral Smyth was charged with cowardice, and the 
office of commander was no longer his. 

It was again election day. The president was re- 
elected and Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, vice- 
president. 

The army was now organized in three divisions — 
the Army of the North under General Wade Hamp- 
ton, the Army of the Center under the commander-in- 
chief, the Army of the West under General Winches- 
ter, who was soon superseded by General Harrison. 
Henry Dearborn was still commander-in-chief of the 
army. Early in January the Army of the West moved 
toward Lake Erie, hoping to regain the ground lost 
by the coward Hull. By the loth the advance army 
had reached the Maumee rapids. A detachment hur- 
ried forward to Frenchtown on the Raisin river and 
captured the town, and on the 20th were joined by 
Winchester with the main division. 

Only two days later the Americans were assaulted 
by fifteen hundred British and Indians under General 
Proctor. The battle was severe. General Winchester 
was taken by the enemy and advised his forces to 
capitulate. The American ivounded were left to be 
butchered by the savages^ who were not long about it, 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 34/ 

and the prisoners were dragged away with dreadful 
sufferings to Detroit, where they w^ere ransomed. 

General Harrison had built Fort Meigs on the 
Maumee and here he was besieged by two thousand 
British and savages led by General Proctor and the 
chief Tecumseh. General Clay with twelve hundred 
Kentuckians was advancing to the relief. Very soon 
the Indians deserted in large bodies and Proctor with- 
drew to Maiden. Late in July Proctor and Tecumseh 
again made a siege. They failed to draw out the 
garrison and then the British general filed ofl with 
half his forces and took Fort Stevenson at Lower San- 
dusky. This place was defended by a hundred and 
sixty men under Colonel Croghan, a youth but twenty- 
one years of age. On the 2nd of August the British, 
having no doubts of storming the fort, crowded the 
trenches so that they were swept away as if by a 
cyclone. The living retreated immediately and Proc- 
tor now raised the siege at Fort Meigs and returned 
to Maiden. 

At this time the British had a squadron of six 
vessels on Lake Erie. Commodore Oliver H. Perry 
undertook to recover these waters. Commodore 
Barclay in command of the British fleet was a veteran 
from Europe. Perry directed the construction of 
nine ships and they were soon afloat. The fleets met 
near Put-in-Bay. The Lawrence^ Perry's flag ship> 
led the attack. His especial antagonist was the 
Detroit^ under command of Barclay. So furious was 
the engagement that in a short time both vessels were 
ruined. Then Perry caught his banner and jumping 
into an open boat soon hoisted it on the Niagara. 



348 FOUR JIUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

This vessel was a powerful one. He bore down upon 
the enemy's line, through the midst, discharging 
broadsides right and left. In fifteen minutes the 
battle was won. The British fleet was helpless. 
Perry climbed again on board of the Lawrence and 
received the surrender from the hull, and then dis- 
patched a fleet messenger to the president with the 
message, " We have met the enemy ^ and they are ours^ 

And now the way seemed open to Canada. On 
September 27th Harrison's army was landed near 
Maiden. The British retreated to the river Thames 
and there prepared for battle. The battle field ex- 
tended from the river to a swamp. The 5th of 
October the attack was made by Generals Harrison 
and Shelby. Early in the engagement Proctor disap- 
peared. The British regulars were broken by the 
Kentuckians under Colonel Richard M. Johnson. The 
Americans wheeled against the fifteen hundred Indians 
who lay hidden in the swamp. Tecumseh had staked 
his all on the issue. There was a time when his war- 
whoop sounded above the noise of musketry, but it 
soon was lost. He had fallen. The red-skins knew 
not what to do since he was no longer to direct them, 
and they fled through "the swamp. Now all that Hull 
had lost was regained. 

But while these victories were attained in the north, 
the Creeks of Alabama had taken up arms, and in the 
latter part of August Fort Mims, forty miles north of 
Fort Mobile, was surprised by the Indians, who 
murdered about four hundred persons. The governors 
of Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi made haste to 
invade the Creek country. The Tennesseeans were 



Madison's administration. 349 

commanded by General Jackson and were the first in- 
vaders. Nine hundred men led by General Coffee 
reached the Indian town of Tallushatchee, burned it 
and swept ever dweller from off the face of the earth. 
On November Sth another battle was fought at 
Talladega and the Indian loss was great. There was 
another battle at Autosse, and again the Indians 
suffered. During the winter the white troops grew 
mutinous and wanted to go home, but glorious 
General Jackson ate his breakfast, dinner and supper 
of acorns without grumbling, and they followed his 
example. On the 32d of January the battle of 
Emucfau was foug^ht and ag^ain the victorv belongred 
to the Tennesseeans. Then the Creeks took up a 
position at the Horseshoe Bend. The whites stormed 
the breastworks and the thousand Creek \varriors, 
women and pappooses, were swept away. There was 
not a Creek Indian in the country. 

On the 25th of April, 1S13, General Dearborn, 
commanding the Center Army, embarked his forces at 
Sackett's Harbor and sailed for Toronto. The most 
important British supplies were stored at this place. 
The American fleet under Commodore Chauncey ^vere 
already masters of Lake Ontario. On the 27th of the 
month seventeen hundred men landed near Toronto. 
The Americans drove the enemv from the water's edgfe, 
stormed a battery and were striving to carry the main 
defences when the British magazine exploded. Two 
hundred men were killed or wounded. General Pike 
was fatally injured, but the Americans stormed the 
town and drove the British away. The value of 
stores taken was about half a million, and while this 



350 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

was going on the enemy had slipped down to Sackett's 
Harbor. But General Brown rallied the militia to 
such an extent that they retreated for a time. The 
victorious troops at Toronto re-embarked and crossed 
the lake to the mouth of the Niagara, and on the 27th 
of May, led by Generals Chandler and Winder, stormed 
Fort George. The British retreated. 

After the battle of the Thames General Harrison 
sent his forces to Buffalo, and then he resigned his 
commission. General Dearborn likewise resigned 
and General Wilkinson succeeded him. The conquest 
of Montreal was planned by General Armstrong. The 
Army of the Center was ordered to join the Army of 
the North on the St. Lawrence. British Canadians 
and Indians in small parties on the banks hmdered 
and annoyed the expedition. General Brown landed 
with quite a force to drive these people into the 
interior, and on the 14th an indecisive though severe 
battle was fought at Chrysler's field. The Americans 
then passed down the river to St. Regis, where the 
forces of General Hampton were expected to join 
Wilkinson's command. But General Hampton not 
putting in an appearance, the army went into winter 
quarters at Fort Covington. 

But meanwhile the British on the Niagara had 
captured Fort George. Before his retreat General 
McClure, the commandant, had burned the town of 
Newark. The British and Indians crossed the river, 
took Fort Niagara and burned the towns of Man- 
chester, Lewiston and Youngstown, and on the 30th 
of December Buffalo and Black Rock were burned. 

Away on the coast of Demarara the sloop of war 



Madison's administration. 351 

Hornet^ commanded by Captain James Lawrence, 
fell in with the British ship Peacock. A terrible 
battle lasted a quarter of an hour and ^the Peacock's 
colors came down. While the Americans were 
transferring the conquered crew the wrecked Peacock 
suddenly went down. 

After his return to Boston General Lawrence was 
asked to take command of the Chesapeake^ and he 
immediately put to sea. Captain Broke, of the 
British Shannon^ soon challenged him. The vessels 
met to the eastward of Cape Ann June ist. The 
battle has been described as "obstinate, brief, dread- 
ful." In a short time every officer on the Chesapeake 
-was wounded, dying, or dead. Lawrence was struck 
by a musket ball and fell dying on the deck. As he 
was carried down the hatchway, he gave his last order, 
*■'- Don'' t give up the shipy This has been the motto of 
American sailors since. The Shannon towed her prize 
into Halifax. Both Lawrence and the second com- 
mander were buried by the British. 

The American brig Argus was on the 14th of 
August chased by the Pelican and forced to surrender. 
But on the 5th of September the saucy British brig 
Boxer was caught by the Enterprise off the coast of 
Maine and Captain Blyth the Briton and Captain 
Burrows the American were buried side by side at 
Portland. On the 3Sth of March following while the 
Essex, commanded by Captain Porter, was in the 
harbor of Valparaiso, she was attacked by the Phoebe 
and Cherub and defended by Porter till nearly all his 
men were gone, when he struck his colors and sur- 
rendered. After this, honorable warfare ceased and 



352 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

great outrages were committed by B:itish mariners. 

Another invasion of Canada was planned. Generals 
Scott and Ripley were in charge of three thousand 
men. On the evening of T"^y 5th, 1814, a battle was 
fought in which the Americans were victorious. It 
was fought on the high grounds in sight of 
Niagara Falls, General Scott commanding the Ameri- 
can army, General Riall the British. This was the 
hardest battle of the war. The British were forced 
to retreat. The loss on either side was about eight 
hundred. After this battle, which is known as that 
of Lundy's Lane or of Niagara, the American forces 
fell back to Fort Erie. General Gaines crossed to 
Buffalo and assumed command of the army. General 
Drummond received reinforcements and the siege of 
Fort Erie commenced on the 4th of August. The 
siege continued until the 17th of September. A sortie 
was made and the British works carried. General 
Drummond raised the siege and retreated to Fort 
George. On November 5th the Americans destroyed 
the fort and went into winter quarters at Buffalo and 
Black Rock. * 

Then war on the lakes and rivers grew constant 
until at last the English ministry grew anxious to 
make peace. But in the meantime the war went on. 
Among the boldest schemes was the capture of Wash- 
ington and the destruction of all the public buildings 
except the patent office. The president and officers 
fled. Five days later a part of the large force would 
have destroyed Alexandria, and to purchase peace the 
inhabitants gave to them twenty-one ships, sixteen 
thousand barrels of flour and a thousand hogsheads of 




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Madison's administration. 353 

tobacco. Then the siege of Baltimore commenced^ 
but after about fifteen hours of constant bombardment 
the fort was as good as ever. They gave up and 
retreated. Stonington, Connecticut, was bombarded, 
but when the British attempted to land they were 
driven back. The fisheries of New England were 
broken up, and the salt works of Cape Cod were com- 
pelled to pay a heavy ransom to keep from being de- 
stroyed. All the harbors from Maine to Delaware 
were blockaded. The members of the Federal party 
cried out against the war. The legislature of Massa- 
chusetts advised the calling of a convention. The 
other eastern states responded to the call, and the 14th 
of December found the delegates assembled at Hart- 
ford. 

The leaders of the Democratic party did not hesitate 
to say that this assembly was treasonable and disloyal. 
With closed doors the assembly remained in session 
three weeks and then published an address and ad- 
journed. The political prospects of the delegates 
were ruined. 

While all this trouble was going on the Spaniards 
began to sympathize with the British, and in August, 
18 14, a British fleet was allowed the use of the Pen- 
sacola port to fit out an expedition against Fort Bow- 
yer, on the bay of Mobile. General Jackson, com- 
mander of the South, remonstrated with the Spaniards 
to no purpose, so he marched against Pensacola, 
stormed the city and drove the British out of Florida. 
Hearing that they were making preparations for 
capturing Louisiana, he went immediately to New 
Orleans, declared martial law, mustered the militia. 



354 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and adopted measures for repelling the invasion. He 
learned through a smuggler the enemy's plans. The 
British army, numbering twelve thousand, came from 
Jamaica under Sir Edward Packenham. On the loth 
of December the squadrons entered lake Borgne, sixty 
miles north-east of New Orleans. Packenham's ad- 
vance reached the river nine miles above the city on 
the 22nd, and Generals Jackson and Coffee advanced 
with two thousand Tennessee riflemen to attack 
the British camp on the 23rd. It was a bloody affair 
and the Americans were forced to retreat and take up 
a position four miles from the city. On the 2Slh 
Packenham advanced to the American position and 
cannonaded the redoubt, and on New Year's day he 
renewed the attack, but without effect. Packenham 
now made arrangements for a great battle.. General 
Jackson was not idle. The battle began at daylight, 
and was ended before nine o'clock a. m. The breast- 
w^orks were so well constructed that the enemy could do 
them comparatively no harm. Packenham w^as killed, 
General Gibbs mortally wounded. General Lambert 
was the officer who called the remnant of the army 
from the field. The British loss besides the two 
generals was seven hundred killed, fourteen hundred 
w^oundcd and five hundred taken prisoners. The 
Amer'can loss was eight killed, thirteen wounded. 
This closed the war on land. 

The American Constitutio?i off Cape Vincent cap- 
tured two British vessels, the Cyane and the Levant. 
This occurred on the 20th of February, and on the 23rd 
of March the American Hornet concluded the 
marine war by capturing the British Pengtiin off the 



Madison's administration. 355 

coast of Brazil. But the treaty of peace had been 
ah-eady made. • On the iSth of February it was rati- 
fied by the senate and peace was proclaimed. 

But this treaty amounted to nothing. It was de- 
voted to the settlement ot unimportant boundaries 
and some little islands in Passamaquoddy bay. It 
said nothing of the wrongs done to the commerce of 
the United States, nothing of sailors' rights and free 
trade. The impressment of American seamen was 
not named. Indeed, not one of the issues upon which 
the war was undertaken was referred to in any way. 
There was a war debt of a hundred million dollars. 
The money matters of the entire country were about 
as bad as they could be. The charter of the United 
States bank expired in iSii and other banks had 
been forced to suspend specie payment. A bill was 
passed in 18 16 to recharter the Bank of the United 
States. The president vetoed it, but on the 4th of 
March, 1S17, the bank legan operation and very soon 
business began to revive. 

While the war with Great Britain was going on 
the Algerine pirates were quite busy, making depre- 
dations on American vessels of commerce. Commo- 
dore Decatur was ordered to proceed to the Mediter- 
ranean and thoroughly chastise these sea robbers. It 
was June 17th when Decatur met the principal frigate 
of the Algerine squadron. The fight was severe, but 
the Moorish ship rurrendered. On December 19th 
another Moorish ship was captured, and a few days 
later he sailed into the bay of Algiers and the fright- 
ened dey was glad to make a treaty. The Moorish 
emperor released his American prisoners, relinquished 



55^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

all claim to tribute and gave a pledge that his ships 
should never more trouble American merchantmen. 
Decatur now turned his attention to Tunis and Tripoli 
and compelled these states to pay large sums of money 
for past wrongs and give pledges for future good con- 
duct. 

Near the close of Madison's administration Indiana 
came into the union. In the same year (1816-17) the 
Colonization Society of the United States was formed. 
It was composed of distinguished Americans, the 
object being to provide a refuge for free persons of 
color. Liberia in Western Africa was selected as the 
seat of the proposed colony. Immigrants came in 
numbers, so that it was a flourishing negro state. The 
capital w^as named in honor of the president, James 
Monroe, Afojz7'ovia. Monroe succeeded Madison and 
the vice-president was Daniel D. Tompkins of New 
York. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Monroe's administration. 

THE stormy days of the war were passed and 
peace came and staid for many years. States- 
men of all parties worked with energy to pay 
the national debt. Commerce revived. The govern- 
ment was carried on economically and in a few years 
the debt was paid. 

In December, 1817, Mississippi was organized and 
admitted into the union. There were sixty-five 
thousand souls in the state, and there was also a 
gang of pirates who had headquarters at Amelia 
Island off the coast of Florida, but they were now 
broken up, as was another company of them on the 
island of Galveston. 

And now that the country was found so productive 
the question was how to transport the products to a 
suitable market. Without roads and canals nothing 
could be done in the interior. Whether congress had 
a right to vote money to public improvements was a 
question of serious debate. In one instance a bill 
was passed making appropriation for a national road 
across the Alleghanies from Cumberland to Wheeling. 
New York state took the lead in state improvements 
by constructing a canal from Buffalo to Albany at a 
cost of nearly eight million dollars. 

Again there was trouble among the Indians in the 
south. The Seminoles were joined by a few Creeks 



358 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and negroes, and finally General Jackson had to be 
called upon to suppress them. It was found that two 
Englishmen named Arbuthnot and Ambristor had 
incited the Seminoles to insurrection. These men 
were tried by court-martial and hanged. Jackson 
then captured Pensacola and sent the Spanish author- 
ities to Havana. He was heartily criticised for this 
by some private citizens and newspapers, but the 
president and congress justified him. And now the 
king of Spain proposed to cede Florida to the United 
States. A treaty was made at Washington city in 
1819 by which the whole province was surrendered 
to the American government. The United States 
agreed to relinquish all claim to Texas and to pay to 
American citizens claims for depradations by Spanish 
vessels. 

In 1818 the twenty-first state was admitted into the 
union, Illinois, with a population of forty-seven 
thousand. In December, 1819, Alabama was admitted 
with one hundred and twenty-five thousand inhabit- 
ants. In August of 182 1 Missouri came in with 
seventy-four thousand, and in 1820 Maine was 
separated from Massachusetts and became admitted. 
About this time the territory of Arkansas was or- 
ganized. With the bill to admit Alissouri was a 
proposition to prohibit slavery in all new states. This 
measure was supported by the free states of the North 
and opposed by the slave states of the South. Long 
and angry debates followed, till it was said congress 
was nearly distracted. At last the measure known as 
the Missouri compromise was adopted. Its provisions 
were, firsts the admission of Missouri as a slave-hold- 



Monroe's administration. 35^ 

ing state; secondly^ the division of the rest of the 
Lousiaiia purchase by the parallel of thirty-six degrees 
and thirty minutes ; thirdly^ the admission of new 
states south of that line with or without slavery, as 
the people might determine \fourtJily^ the prohibition 
of slavery in all new states north of the dividing line, 
which is generally known as Mason & Dixon's line. 

The president's administration gave great satisfac- 
tion to the people, and in the fall of 1820 he was re- 
elected, and Mr. Tompkins as vice-president was re- 
elected. The attention of American authorities was 
called to a system of piracy carried on in the West 
Indies. In 1823 Commodore Porter went after them 
with a large squadron and the retreats of the sea 
robbers were completely destroyed. 

Many of the South American countries declared 
their independence of foreign nations about this time, 
and this spirit was met with sympathy by the northern 
patriots. Henry Clay urged upon the government 
the duty of recognizing these South American repub- 
lics. In March of 1823 the president's message con- 
tained the declaration that the American coittinents 
are not subject to colonizatio7i by a7ty European power ^ 
and this is the famous Monroe doctrine. La Fayette 
visited the land for whose freedom he had shed his 
blood in 1824. He was venerable in appearance. 
Eyerywhere he was greeted and honored. His whole 
tour was one of triumph. He returned to France in 
September, 1S25. His name will live in the hearts of 
Americans until the union of states shall be no more. 
In the fall of 1824 four candidates were nominated for 
the presidency — ^John Quincy Adams, candidate for 



360 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the east ; William H. Crawford, candidate for the 
south ; Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson were the 
favorites of the west. Neither of the candidates 
received a majority of the electoral votes and the 
choice of president fell to the house of representatives, 
and Mr. Adams was declared president elect and 
John C. Calhoun was chosen vice-president by the 
electoral college. This year the New York gas 
light company was incorporated, but the work was 
not successfully carried on until 1827. 

On the 13th of March, 1824, a treaty was concluded 
between the United States and Great Britain for the 
suppression of the slave trade. By the terms of this 
treaty vessels were to be sent out from both countries 
to cruise the waters over which the slave ships pass 
and to capture and bring to trial all such vessels. 
Tallahassee was laid out and a settlement at once 
commenced, the city being the capital of Florida. 
The first bank in Brooklyn was organized, by name 
the Long Island Bank, and the first insurance company 
organized. It, was called The Brooklyn Fire Insurance 
Company. The Boston Courier appeared in Boston 
on March 2d. The manufacture of flannel by water 
power was begun in Amesbury, Massachusetts. This 
year the use of marble for building purposes was 
commenced, and so strong were the objections to the 
use of it that not a builder would undertake the job, 
and a man was pardoned out of Sing Sing for the 
purpose of superintending the work. The city hall 
and American museum at the corner of Broadway and 
Ann streets were the first in New York city with 
marble fronts. 



Monroe's administration. 361 

Early in 1825 the first Sunday newspaper was pub- 
lished, called The Sunday Courier^ but it soon died 
for want of patronage. The Erie canal was com- 
pleted in October and the event was duly celebrated, 
and on the 20th of October the Erie, Champlain and 
Hudson canal was completed. The Italian opera was 
introduced into the United States and the first enter- 
tainment was at the Park theater in New York. The 
homeopathic method of treatment was also introduced 
into this country by a New York physician who had 
removed from this country to Copenhagen and brought 
the new practice back with him. The manufacture 
of queensware, the first in the country, was com- 
menced at Philadelphia. Wolves must have been 
plenty, for w^e learn from a report by the comptroller 
of the state of New York that nearly ninety thousand 
dollars was paid out of the treasury during the pre- 
ceding ten years for the destruction of wolves in that 
state. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

THE SECOND ADAMS. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS was a man of remark- 
able attainments in literature and in statesmanship. 
When he was eleven years old he went with his 
father, John Adams, to Europe. At Paris and Amster- 
dam and St. Petersburg he continued his studies and 
became acquainted with the politics of the old world. 
When he was older he went as ambassador to the 
Netherlands, Portugal, Prussia, Russia and England. 
He had been United States senator and secretary of 
state also. There was much party feeling and the 
adherents of General Jackson and Mr. Crawford acted 
in unison in opposition to the president, and in the 
senate the president's political friends were in the 
minority, and their majority lasted only one session in 
the lower house. The president in his inaugural 
address strongly favored internal improvements. 

Fifty years after the Declaration of Independence, 
on July 4th, John Adams, second president of the 
United States, and Thomas Jefferson passed away. 
Adams was ninety years of age and Jefferson eighty- 
two. 

In the congressional debates of 1828 the ques- 
tion of tariffs was much discussed. A tariff is a duty 
levied on imported goods. The object of the tariff is, 
first, to procure a revenue for the government, and, 
secondly, to raise the price of the imported article so 



THE SECOND ADAMS. 363 

that the American manufacturers of the taxed articles 
may be able to compete with the foreign producer. 
When the duty is levied for the latter purpose it is a 
protective tariff. 

Mr. Adams and his party favored the protective 
tariff, and duties were accordingly laid on fabrics of 
silk, wool, linen and cotton, and also on manufactured 
articles of iron, lead, and various other articles. 

At the next election General Jackson was triumph- 
antly elected by a hundred and seventy -eight electoral 
votes against seventy -eight for Adams. 

Andrew Jackson was already known to be a mili- 
tary hero, a man of the highest honor, and one with a 
will of iron — nothing that he attempted but was 
crowned with success. 



CHTAPER XXXIX. 
Jackson's administration. 

AT the very beginning of his administration 
Jackson removed seven hundred office holders 
and appointed men who were politically his 
friends. 

In the congressional session of 1831-32 additional 
tariffs were levied upon imported goods. By this act 
the manufacturing districts were benefited, while the 
agricultural were not. South Carolina felt that she 
was not being favored. A convention of her people 
was held, and it was resolved that the tariff law of 
congress was null and void. Open resistance was 
threatened in case the officers came to collect revenues 
at Charleston. In the United States senate the right 
of a state to nullify an act of congress was proclaimed. 
It was on this question that the memorable debate 
between Colonel Hayne, senator from South Carolina, 
and Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, occurred. 
Colonel Hayne was the champion of state rights. 
Webster was in favor of constitutional supremacy. 
The president took the matter in hand and issued a 
proclamation denying the right of a state to nullify 
the laws of congress. Mr. Calhoun, the vice-president, 
resigned his position, so that he might accept a seat 
in the senate, where he might defend the sentiments 
of his state. The president, having warned the South 
Carolinians, ordered a body of troops under General 



Jackson's administration. 365 

Scott to proceed to Charleston. The leaders of the 
nullifying party receded from their position and there 
was no bloodshed. Soon Mr. Clay made provision 
for a bill providing tor a gradual reduction of tariff 
unti] it should reach the point that Carolina desired. 

Early in 1832 the Sac, Fox and Winnebago Indians 
of Wisconsin, led by the famous Black Hawk of 
Wisconsin, began a war. The lands of the Foxes 
and the Sacs had been purchased twenty-five years 
previously by the United States. The Indians, how- 
ever remained in the ceded territory, and when at last 
they were asked for possession they stubbornly re- 
fused and at once assumed a hostile attitude. The 
governor of Illinois called out the militia. General 
Scott was sent with troops to Chicago to co-operate 
with General Atkinson, who waged a vigorous cam- 
paign. Black Hawk was taken prisoner and carried to 
Washington and all the large eastern cities. Return- 
ing to his own people, he advised them to make peace. 
The warriors gave up the disputed lands and took 
Iowa for their hunting grounds. 

There were difficulties too with the Cherokees of 
Georgia, who were the most civilized of the nations 
east of the Rocky Mountains. The United States had 
promised to buy the Cherokee lands for the benefit of 
Georgia, but had not done so. The legislature passed 
a statute extending the laws of the state over the 
Indians, while the Cherokees and Creeks were denied 
the use of the state courts. The Indians appealed to 
the president for assistance. He refused to interfere. 
He recommended the removal of the Cherokees beyond 
the Mississippi. The Indian territory was accordingly 



366 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

organized in 1834. The Indians yielded, but with 
great reluctance. A little more than five million 
dollars were paid them for the lands. General Scott 
at last removed them. During the years 1837—38 the 
Cherokees were removed to Indian territory. 

The Seminoles were not settled so easily. There 
was an attempt to remove this tribe beyond the 
Mississippi. The hostilities were kept up from 1835 to 
1839. Osceola and Micanopy, chiefs of the nation, 
denied the validity of a former cession of the Seminole 
lands. General Thompson was obliged to arrest 
Osceola and put him in irons. The chief then gave 
his assent to the old treaty, and was liberated, only to 
enter into a conspiracy to destroy the whites. Major 
Dade was dispatched from Fort Brooke on Tampa 
iDay Twith a hundred and seventeen men to reinforce 
General Clinch at Fort Drane. The forces fell into 
an ambuscade and all perished but one man. On the 
same day Osceola murdered General Thompson and 
his companions. General Clinch defeated the Indians 
at Withlacoochie on the 31st of December, and on the 
29th of February, 1836, General Gaines was attacked 
near the same battlefield and the Seminoles were re- 
pulsed. In October Governor Call of Florida, with 
two thousand men, overtook the savages in the Wahoo 
swamp near the place where Dade was massacred. 
The Indians were again defeated and driven into the 
everglades. f 

The president so repeatedly vetoed the charter of the 
United States bank that at length it came to an end. 
He thought the surplus funds which had accumulated 
in the vault would be better distributed among the 



Jackson's administration. 367 

states. So in October, 1833, he ordered the bank 
funds, ten millions of dollars, to be distributed among 
certain state banks designated for that purpose. The 
financial panic of 1836-37 was attributed by the 
Whisfs to the removal of the funds and destruction of 
the bank. The adherents of the President declared 
the panic due to having kept the bank so long. Dur- 
ing this year (1834) branch mints w^ere established by 
an act of congress at New Orleans, Dahlonega, Georgia, 
and at Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The first settlement in v^regon was in this year. 
New Orleans was lighted with gas. There was a 
mail carried on horse-back once a week to Chicago, 
This came by way of Niles, Michigan. Brooklyn, 
Long Island, was incorporated into a city, and 
Rochester, New York, also. Burlington, Iowa, was 
laid out. The first steam power printing press set up 
in the west was at Cincinnati for the publication of 
the Gazette. The first gun rifled in America was ac- 
complished at South Boston, Massachusetts. Hammered 
brass kettles were made at Wolcottville, Connecticut. 
Wood screws made by machinery were turned 
out at Providence, Rhode Island. The first table 
cutlery was made at Greenfield, Massachusetts. The 
New Jersey railroad from Jersey City to New Bruns- 
wick was completed this year, and the Philadelphia & 
Trenton railroad opened to the public. 

France had not paid the five millions promised to the 
United States, due long since. The president recom- 
mended congress to make reprisals on French merchant- 
men. This reminder had its effect, and the money was 
paid. Portugal also paid her debts after such reminder. 



368 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Several eminent statesmen passed away during the 
few years previous to this. On the 4th of July, 1831, 
ex President Monroe slept his last sleep. The next 
year Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, the last survivor of 
the signers of the Declaration of Independence, died at 
the age of ninety-six. Philip Freneau, the poet of the 
revolution, passed to the happy land of which he 
wrote. On the 24th of June, 1833, John Randolph, of 
Roanoke, died at Philadelphia, and in 1835 Chief Jus- 
tice Marshall joined his friends on the other side. He 
was eighty years of age. The next year ex-President 
Madison passed over the silent river. , 

This was the year of the great meteoric display over 
tlie United States. It was the most remarkable dis- 
play recorded in all ages, commencing on the 13th oi 
November, 1833. The chief scene of the display was 
within the limits of longitude of sixty-one degrees in 
the Atlantic ocean, one hundred degrees in Mexico 
and from the North American lakes to the southern 
side of the island of Jamaica. From two a. m. until 
broad daylight the sky was cloudless, and there was a 
constant and indescribable beautiful shower of stars. 

Michigan territory now knocked at the doors of the 
union and she brought a population of a hundred and 
fifty-seven thousand. Another presidential election 
^vas at hand and Martin Van Buren was chosen. There 
was not a majority for vice-president. The choice was 
left to the senate. Colonel Richard M. Johnson, of 
Kentucky, was declared vice-president. 



CHAPTER XL. 
VAN buren's administration. 

THE eighth president had been a senator in 182 1, 
and in 1828 he was elected governor of New- 
York, and a little later sent as minister to Eng- 
land. From that mission he came to preside over the 
United States. One of his first duties was to make 
an end of the Seminole war. This required a long 
time, but Colonel Zachary Taylor accomplished the 
task. 

In 1837 there was a tremendous money panic from 
many causes — probably the chief one being that these 
state banks were not limited, and so sent out 
paper they had no means to redeem. Another cause 
was that of land speculation, and still another the 
excessive importation of merchandise beyond the 
wants and the means of the people. Payments be- 
came due, and as there was no money forthcoming 
United States credit became impaired in London and 
occasioned a large importation of specie to Europe. 
The loth of May all the banks in the city of New 
York by common consent suspended payment. The 
banks in Boston, Providence, Hartford, Albany, Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore closed their doors. During the 
two months preceding this the financial distresses in 
mercantile circles was dreadful. The whole country 
suffered, but the large cities the most. In New York 
alone there were three hundred failures of large con 



370 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

cerns and innumerable smaller ones. In two days the 
houses which stopped payment in New Orleans had 
liabilities amounting to twenty-seven millions of dol- 
lars. In Boston there were a hundred and eighty-eight 
failures in six months. 

The time for a presidential election was now at 
hand. Mr. Van Buren was again a candidate and 
received the support of the Democratic party. The 
Whigs nominated General Harrison. The canvass 
was one of the most exciting in the history of America. 
Harrison was elected by a large majority, and now 
after forty consecutive years the Democratic party 
retired for a time. Vice-President John Tyler of 
Virginia succeeded Colonel Johnson of Kentucky. 

Harrison was by birth a Virginian and the adopted 
son of Robert Morris, whose wealth materially aided 
the United States in the revolution. Harrison was 
a graduate of Hampden-Sidney college and entered 
the army under General St. Clair. He became gov- 
ernor of Indiana territory, and showed great ability in 
the management of the affairs of the territory. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

HARRISON AND TYLER ADMINISTRATIONS. 

HARRISON began his presidential duties by call- 
ing a special session of congress. An able cabi- 
net was formed with Daniel Webster as secre- 
tary of war, and all affairs were in a most promising: 
condition under the new Whig administration, but 
before congress could convene he took sick and died 
just a month after his inauguration. 

On the 6th of April Mr. Tyler became president. 
He was a^so a Virginian, a graduate of William and 
Mary college. He had been governor of Virginia and 
senator of the United States, and he had been put on 
the Harrison ticket through motives of expediency, 
for though in politics a Whig he was known to be 
opposed to the United States bank. 

One of the first measures of the new congress was 
to repeal the independent treasury bill, which was 
passed under Van Buren's administration. A bank- 
rupt law was passed for the assistance of insolvent 
business men. A bill for rechartering the United 
States bank w^as laid before the president, who vetoed 
it, and again the bill received the assent ,of both 
houses, only to receive the president's veto. Every 
member of the cabinet save Daniel Webster resigned 
his seat. 

And now there was trouble about the north-east 
boundary line between the United States and British 



373 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

dominions. Ever since the treaty of 1783 that line 
had been questioned. Lord Ashburton of Great 
Britain and Daniel Webster of the United States were 
to decide the question. The boundaries were decided 
to the satisfaction of both parties. 

The next year Rhode Island had a war of their own. 
The two parties were called Law-and-Order and 
Suffrage parti s. Samuel King was elected governor 
of the Law-and-Order party and Thomas W. Dorr of 
the Suffrage party. Dorr was in the wrong. He fled 
the state, but afterwards was arrested and tried for 
treason and sentenced to imprisonment for life. He 
was then offered a pardon, but refused to accept it, 
but in June of 1845 he was set at liberty. 

The Mormons about this time came under Joseph 
Smith. The first settlement was in Jackson county, 
Missouri. There were some fifteen hundred of them. 
There was trouble between the people and state and 
they were obliged to leave. In 1839 ^^^7 crossed the 
Mississippi into Illinois and laid out a city which they 
called Nauvoo, signifying the beautiful. They built 
a splendid temple. They soon numbered ten thousand. 
Then serious trouble arose between the state and the 
Mormons and there was war. Smith and his brothers 
were arrested and taken to Carthage and jailed. The 
jail was stormed and the prisoners came near being 
killed. At length the Mormons crossed the Rocky 
Mountains, reached the great Salt Lake and founded 
Utah territory. 

There was trouble in Tennessee, too, from 182 1 to 
1836. This territory had been a province of Mexico. 
It had been the policy to keep Texas uninhabited so 



HARHISON AND TYLER ADMINISTRATIONS. 373 

the Americans might not encroach on Mexican 
grounds. At length a land grant was made to Moses 
Austin of Connecticut, on condition that he would 
settle three hundred families within the limits of his 
domain. Afterward the grant was conferred to his 
son Stephen, with the privilege of establishing five 
hundred additional families of immigrants. In 1835 
the Texans rebelled and in a battle fought at Gon- 
zales a thousand Mexicans were defeated by five hun- 
dred Texans. On the 6th of March the Texan fort 
called the Alamo was surrounded by eight thousand 
Mexicans, led by Santa Anna. The garrison was 
overpowered and massacred. David Crocket, the 
hardy pioneer, was one of the victims. A month later 
a decisive battle was fought at San Jacinto and Texas 
was independent and asked to be admitted into the 
union and in March, 1845, was admitted. 

Florida and Iowa were applicants, but Iowa did not 
come in until the following year. 

In 1844 James K. Polk was elected president and 
George M. Dallas vice-president. The news was sent 
from Baltimore to Washington by telegraph. S. F. B. 
Morse was the inventor of magnetic telegraphy. Peo- 
ple were amused at the novelty, but it was a long 
time before they saw the utility of it. It was through 
the assistance of Ezra Cornell of New York and Mr. 
Corcoran of Washington that it was tested sufficiently 
to make its value known. The same year Charles 
Goodyear, after experimenting more than ten years, 
discovered the secret of vulcanizing India rubber. 
Mr. E. M. Chaffee, a foreman of a Boston patent 
leather factory, experimented by pouring some melted 



374 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

India rubber on a piece of thin cloth. It was found 
to be smooth, looked like patent leather and was 
waterproof. A number of capitalists grew interested 
in the invention and enough could not be made to fill 
the demand. But while the rubbers so made were 
good in cool weather they became a mass of sticky 
gum in summer and smelled so horribly that the re- 
turned stock had to be buried. There was a loss of 
over two millions to stock-holders. The first opera- 
tions in copper mining were commenced this year at 
Lake Superior. 

A treaty was made between the United States and 
China by which the citizens of America were allowed 
to trade and to reside in the ports of Kwang-chow, 
Amoy, Fuchow, Ningpo, and Shanghai. In June there 
was a rise of the Missouri and the middle section of 
the Mississippi which exceeded all floods heretofore 
known and did incalculable damage. The first 
American newspaper started on the Pacific coast was 
issued at Oregon City and called ^he Flu7ngudgeon 
Gazette or Btimblebee Budget. The £veni?zg yournal 
was established at Chicago. 



CHAf^TER XLII. 
folk's administration. 

PRESIDENT POLK was a native of North Caro- 
lina. When a boy he removed with his father to 
Tennessee. In 1839 he was elected governor of 
Tennessee. He placed James Buchanan at the head 
of his cabinet. A war with Mexico was at hand. 
Texas appealed for protection and General Zachary 
Taylor was ordered from New Orleans to Mexico. 
The question was one of the boundaries. Texas 
claimed the Rio Grande as her western limit, while 
Mexico was determined to have the Nueces as the 
separating line. The United States governmemt 
supported the claim of Texas. For years the war 
raged and in the winter of 1847-48 a treaty was 
signed. By the terms of settlement the boundary line 
between Mexico and Texas was established on the 
Rio Grande westward along the southern, and north- 
ward along the western boundary of that territory 
to the Gila ; thence down the river to the Colorado ; 
thence westward to the Pacific. New Mexico and 
upper California were relinquished to the United 
States. Mexico guaranteed the free navigation of the 
Gulf of California and the Colorado river. The 
United States agreed to surrender all places in Mexico 
and to pay that country fifteen millions of dollars and 
to assume all debts due American citizens from the 
Mexican government. 



376 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Only a few days later gold was discovered at the 
American fork of the Sacramento river. The news 
seemed borne upon the wind and soon the country 
was filled with adventurers. Only once in a long 
while was there a discovery of a nugget of much value. 
Before the end of 1850 San Francisco had fifteen 
thousand inhabitants, and at the close of 1852 the 
population in the territory was more than a quarter of 
a million. 

General Jackson died in the first summer of Polk's 
administration. He died at his home, "The Hermitage," 
in Tennessee. Ex- President John Quincy Adams died 
at the city of Washington. He was paralyzed in the 
house of representatives. 

In 1848 Wisconsin was admitted into the union 
with a population of two hundred and fifty thousand. 

Another presidential election was held and General 
Taylor was elected president and Millard Fillmore of 
New York vice-president. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 
Taylor's administration. 

PRESIDENT TAYLOR was a Virginian by birth 
and a soldier always. He had distinguished 
himself during the war of 1812. He bore a part 
in the Seminole war, but his greatest achievement 
was in subduing Mexico. His administration began 
with the agitation of the slavery question in the 
territories. He advised California to become a State. 
A constitution was framed prohibiting slavery, sub- 
mitted to the people and adopted. Peter H. Burnet 
was elected governor of the territory and on December 
29th, 1849, the new government was organized at San 
Jose. There was great controversy about the ad- 
mission of California as a state, and then among the 
opponents and sustainers of slavery. Before the con- 
troversies were over President Taylor died on the 9th 
©f July, 1850. 

Fillmore at once took the oath of office and entered 
upon the duties of president. A new cabinet was 
formed with Daniel Webster as secretary of state. 

In 1852 there was trouble again with England about 
the fisheries of Newfoundland. In 1854 it was 
settled by negotiation, and the right of Americans to 
take fish from the bays in possession of the British 
was conceded. Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, 
came to America in behalf of his country in 1852. He 
was kindly received and listened to, but the policy of 



37^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AxMERICA. 

the United States forbade the interference ot the 
government in behalf of the Hungarian patriots. 

In March, 18^50, John C. Calhoun died at the age of 
sixty-eight. He was much lamented. The president 
died in July. Henry Clay died the 28th of June, 1852, 
and Daniel Webster on the 24th of the following 
October. 

Edward Everett was invited to become secretary of 
state and accepted. The next president was Franklin 
Pierce ; William King of Alabama vice-president. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 
Pierce's administration. 

FRANKLIN PIERCE was from New Hampshire, 
a graduate of Bowdoin college. He was a states- 
man of considerable ability. Mr. King, the 
vice-president, was in Cuba at the time of his election. 
He returned to fulfill his duties, but became so ill that 
he had to retire to his home in Alabama, where he 
died in April, 1853, and William L. Marcy of New 
York finished his unexpired term. 

In 1853 a corps of engineers were sent out to ex- 
plore a railroad route to the Pacific and the same year 
commerce was opened with Japan. Before this the 
Japanese ports had been closed to all Christian nations. 
It was through Commodore Perry that the treaty was 
made, and on the very day of the Commodore's intro- 
duction to the emperor the Crystal Palace of New 
York was opened for The World's Fair. The palace 
was built of iron and glass. Specimens of arts and 
manufactures of all countries were on exhibition. This 
display was of great educational advantage to Ameri- 
cans. 

In January, 1854, Senator Douglas of Illinois 
brought in a proposition to organize Kansas and 
Nebraska. In the bill was a clause providing that 
the people of these territories should decide for them- 
selves whether the states should be free or slaveholding. 
For five months this bill was debated and finally passed, 
and then pandemonium was the result, and it became 
the issue in the presidential election of 1856. James 
Buchanan was elected president and John C. Breckin- 
ridge vice-president. 



CHAPTER XLV. 
Buchanan's administration. 

JAMES BUCHANAN was a native of Pennsyl- 
vanic, born in 1791. In 1831 he was appointed 
minister to Russia and afterward senator of the 
United States and secretary of state under President 
Polk. In 1853 he received the appointment of minis- 
ter to Great Britain. General Lewis Cass of Michi- 
gan was made secretary of state under Buchanan. 

The 5th of August, 1858, was noted for the comple- 
tion of the first submarine telegraph across the Atlan- 
tic, The success of this work was due Cyrus W. Field 
of New York. The cable was stretched from Trinity 
bay, Newfoundland, to Valentia bay, Ireland, and 
telegraphic communication was established between 
Europe and America. 

Minnesota became a state in 1858 with a population 
of a hundred and fifty thousand, and a year later 
Oregon was admitted with a population of forty-eight 
thousand. 

The slavery question was still a vexation. The 
Abolitionists of the North would manage to secrete 
and send to a place of security any poor black man or 
woman that called on them. How this was done was 
a mystery at the time. In many a cellar was a secret 
room in which a slave could be hidden until the way 
for him to go on was opened. Runaway slaves were 
often hunted with blood hounds. In 1857 the supreme 



Buchanan's administration. 381 

court of the United States, after hearing the case of 
Dred Scott, formerly a slave, decided that negroes are 
not and cannot become citizens. Now in several of the 
free states personal liberty bills w^ere passed to defeat 
the fugitive slave law. In the fall of 1859 twenty- 
one daring men of Kansas, led by John Brown, cap- 
tured the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, and held it two 
days. The national troops were called out to quell 
the revolt. Of Brown's men thirteen were killed, two 
escaped, and John Brown and six men were captured. 
The leader and his six companions were tried by the 
authorities of Virginia, condemned and hanged. After 
this the Kansas Free Soil party gained ground so 
rapidly as to make it certain that it would not be a 
slave state. Abraham Lincoln was nominated for the 
presidency by the Republican party in 1S60. The 
great principle of this party was opposition to slavery ^ 
The Democratic convention assembled at Charleston, 
but the Southern delegates withdrew from the assem- 
bly. The rest adjourned to Baltimore and nominated 
Stephen A. Douglas for president. The Democracy 
of the South reassembled in Jilne and nominated 
John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky. The American 
party nominated John Bell of Tennessee. Abraham 
Lincoln was elected president, but prior to the elec- 
tion a large number of the senators and representatives 
in congress were advocates of disunion, and it had 
been declared that should Lincoln be elected it would 
be just cause for the disruption of the union. The 
president was not a disunionist, but said he had no 
constitutional power to prevent secession by force. 
The interval that elapsed between the election of 



382 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Lincoln and his inauguration was thought a fitting" 
one for the disruption. South Carolina took the lead, 
A convention met on the 17th of December, i860, at 
Charleston and after a session of three days passed a 
resolution that the union hitherto existing between 
South Carolina and the other states was dissolved. 
The sentiment of disunion gained ground so fast that 
by the first of February, 1S61, six other states — Mis- 
sissippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and 
Texas — had all passed ordinances of secession. Nearly 
all the senators and representatives of the South re- 
signed their seats in congress and gave themselves to 
the cause of disunion. It is quite true that in the 
secession conventions there were statesmen that pro- 
nounced the disunion as bad and ruinous. In the 
Georgia convention Alexander H. Stephens (after- 
ward vice-president of the Confederacy) undertook 
to prevent the secession of his state. He delivered a 
powerful oration in which he pronounced the measure 
as impolitic^ unwise^ disastrous. 

Delegates from six of the seceded states assembled 
at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 4th of February, 
186 1, and formed a new government called the Con- 
federate States of A7ncrlca. On the 8th the govern- 
ment was organized by the election of Jefferson Davis, 
of Mississippi, as provisional president, and Alexander 
H. Stephens as vice-president. Previous to this a 
peace convention had met at Washington and proposed 
certain amendments to the constitution, but congress 
paid little attention to it, and the conference adjourned. 

The army was on the far frontier ; the fleet on far 
off seas. Ruin seemed to stare the country in the face, 



Buchanan's administration. 383 

and the president felt to the utmost his responsibility. 
Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Pickens and Monroe were in 
possession of the United States. All the important 
ports in the South were already in possession of the 
seceded states. The president sent the Star of the 
West to reinforce Fort Sumter, but the ship was fired 
on by a battery and driven away from Charleston. 
And so with trouble on every side Buchanan's adminis- 
tration closed and Lincoln's began. 



CHAPTER XL VI. 

LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN was a native of Kentucky, 
ushered into the world February i3th, 1809. 
His parents removed to southern Indiana when 
he was only seven years old. He was very poor and 
he worked hard, getting his education by the light of 
pine knots and studying much without any teacher. 
His stepmother was a noble woman, with limited 
education herself, but who assisted him in every way 
she could. On arriving at manhood he removed to 
Illinois, where he became a distinguished lawyer^ and 
he gained a national reputation in 1858 when, as the 
competitor of Stephen A. Douglas, he canvassed 
Illinois for the United States senate. 

The new cabinet was organized with William H. 
Seward of New York as secretary of state ; Salmon P. 
Chase of Ohio secretary of the treasury; and Simon 
Cameron secretary of war, who was soon succeeded 
by Edwin M. Stanton. Gideon Welles was secretary 
of the navy. In his inaugural address his policy was 
indicated. He declared his purpose to repossess the 
forts and property which had been seized by the 
Confederates. 

The seceded states made an effort (on the 12th of 
March) to obtain a recognition of their independence, 
which failed. It was after this that the government 
made another attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter. Fort 



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LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 385 

Sumter was commanded by Major Robert Anderson 
with seventy-nine men. Confederate volunteers 
flocked to Cljarleston and batteries were built about 
the harbor. The Confederate authorities determined 
to anticipate the movements of the government by 
compelling the surrender of Anderson. General 
Beauregard was commandant of Charleston. On the 
nth of April the general sent a flag to Sumter de- 
manding an evacuation. Major Anderson replied that 
he should defend the Cortrcss. The next morning the 
first gun was fired from the Confederate battery. A 
bombardment of thirty-four hours' duration followed. 
The fort was obliged to capitulate. The honors of 
war were granted to Anderson and his men. Three 
days after the fall of Sumter the president issued a 
call for seventv-five thousand volunteers to serve three 
months in the overthrow of the secession movement. 
It was but two ddys later until Virginia seceded. 
Arkansas went also on the 6th of May and North 
Carolina followed on the 20th. Tennessee was almost 
evenly divided, but the disunionists succeeded, yet the 
secession ordinance was not passed until the 8th of 
June. Civil war resulted in Missouri. Kentucky 
authorities issued a proclamation of neutrality. The 
people of Maryland were divided into hostile parties. 
The Massachusetts volunteers, passing through Balti- 
more, were fired upon by the citizens and three men 
-killed. This was the- first blood drawn. The day 
previous, however, a body of Confederate soldiers 
captured the United States armory at Harper's Ferry, 
and another company obtained possession of the great 
navy yard at Norfolk on the 20th. The captured 



386 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

property amounted to fully ten millions of dollars, and 
it was feared that Washington city would be taken. 

On May 3rd the president issued a call for eighty- 
three thousand soldiers, to serve for three years or 
durinof the war. General Winfield Scott was made 
commander-in-chief. War ships were sent to blockade 
the Southern ports. The Southern congress adjourned 
Irom Montgomery. The next meeting place was 
Richmond and the time July 2nd. Mr. Davis met 
here the officers of his cabinet. , 

It is said that one of the first causes of secession 
was, strangely enough, the inveiition of the cotton gin. 
In the year of 1793 Eli Whitney, of Massachusetts, 
went to Georgia and resided in the family of Mrs. 
Greene, widow of General Greene. Mr. Whitney's 
attention was called to the tedious process of picking 
cotton by hand. The labor was so great that there 
was really no profit in the uplan'd cultivation. Mr. 
Whitney invented a gin \vhich astonished all be- 
holders, and from being profitless cotton became the 
most profitable of all the staples. It has been 
estimated that Whitney's gin added a thousand million 
of dollars to the revenues of the Southern states. 
Slave labor grew in deniand Justin proportion as cotton 
growing was profitable, and so slavery to slave holders 
assumed a deep importance. 

. Another and probably the greatest cause of the 
disruption was the different construction put upon 
the constitution by the people of the North and 
the South. One party believed that the union 
of the states is indissoluble ; that the states are 
subordinate to the central government ; that the 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 387 

acts of congress are binding on the states ; and that all 
attempts at nullification and disunion are disloyal and 
treasonable. The other party held that the national 
constitution is a compact between sovereign states ; 
that for certain reasons the union may be dissolved ; 
that the sovereignty of the nation belongs to the in- 
dividual states ; that a state may annul an act of con- 
gress ; that the highest allegiance of a citizen is due to 
his own state, and that nullification and disunion are 
justifiable and honorable. With these different views 
there could be nothing but war to settle the question. 

Away back in 1820-21 threats of dissolving the 
union were freely made in both the North and the 
South. During the Missouri agitation, when the 
Missouri compromise was enacted, it was the hope 
of Mr. Clay and his fellow statesmen to save the union 
by removing the slavery question from the politics of 
the country. 

Another cause of the war was the want of inter- 
course between the people of the North and the South. 
The great railroad traffic was from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific. Between the North and South there was no- 
interchange of opinion. Then, too, the eastern states 
had given themselves to manufacturing largely. The 
Southerners depended on agriculture. When the high 
tariff was on the inanufacturers reaped the benefit ; 
the Southerners complained that it interfered with 
their interests. 

And no doubt the publication of sectional books did 
much to foster the animosity already kindled, for since 
1840 many books were published exclusively for cer- 
tain sections — books intended for Northern trade were 



388 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

written exposing and dilating upon the ridiculous 
side of life in the South, and for the Southern trade 
Yankeedom was shown in the worst possible light. 
Then, too, while there were bad men who owned slaves 
and abused and mistreated them the majority of slave- 
holders were kind and looked after their wants just as 
mothers look after their little children, but these people 
did not get into these books. 

At this time the good of the union was forgotten in 
the schemes and ambitions of political leaders. In 
order to gain power many unprincipled men in the 
South were anxious to destroy the union, while men 
of the same character in the North were willing to 
abuse the union for the same purpose. Then there was 
a very strong feeling in the North that slavery itself 
was very wicked and had a demoralizing effect on the 
people. 

Fortress Monroe was held by twelve thousand men 
under General B. F. Butler. At Bethel church in that 
vicinity was stationed a detachment of Confederates. 
On the 24th of May the Union army crossed the 
Potomac from Washington to Alexandria and on the 
loth a body of Union soldiers was sent to drive them 
away, but Colonel Magruder repulsed them with con- 
siderable loss. Very late in May General T. A. 
Morris moved forward from Parkersburg to Grafton, 
West Virginia. On the 3rd of June he defeated a force 
of Confederates at Philippi. General George B.McClel- 
lan took command and on the nth of July gained a 
victory at Rich Mountain. General Garnett with 
Confederate forces fell back to Carrick's Ford oh 
Cheat river, where he was defeated and lost his life. 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 3S9 

On the roth of August General Floyd with a 
detachment of Confederates at Carnifex Ferry, on 
Gauley river, was attacked by General William S. 
Rosecrans and obliged to retreat. On the 14th of 
September the Confederates under General Robert E. 
Lee were beaten in an engagement at Cheat Moun- 
tain. Early the next June General Robert Patterson 
marched against Harper's Ferry. On the nth of the 
month a division commanded by Colonel Lewis Wal- 
lace was successful in an engagement at Romney. 
Patterson then crossed the Potomac and pressed back 
the Confederate forces to Winchester. The main 
body of the Confederates under General Beauregard 
was concentrated at Manassas Junction, twenty- 
seven miles west of Alexandria. Another large force 
commanded by Colonel Joseph E. Johnston was in the 
Shenandoah valley. The Union army at Alexandria 
was under command of General Irwin McDowell, 
while General Patterson was stationed in front of 
Johnston. On the i6th of July the National army 
moved forward and on the morning of the 21st came 
upon the Confederate army between Bull Run and 
Manassas Junction. A battle of great severity ensued, 
lasting until noonday. At the crisis General John- 
ston arrived with nearly .six thousand fresh troops 
from the Shenandoah valley, and very soon Mc- 
Dowell's army was hurled back in rout and confusion 
into the defences of Washington. The Union loss in 
killed, wounded and prisoners amounted to two thou- 
sand nine hundred and fifty-two ; the Confederate loss 
two thousand and fifty. 

On July 2nd the new Confederate government was 



39^ 



FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 



organized at Richmond. Jefferson Davis, the presi- 
dent, had ah'eady served in both houses of the national 
consfress and as a member of Pierce's cabinet. He 
possessed great decision of character, and ah"eady 
quite a reputation as a soldier. Added to all this, he 
was a man of wide experience. 

And now the scene of war was chans^ed to Missouri. 
At a convention called by the governor the previous 
March the ordinance of secession could not be passed, 
but the disunionists were many and strong, and the 
state became a battle field. In many cases brother 
fought brother. Confederate and Federal camps were 
organized. The Confederates were fortunate early in 
the war by capturing the United States arsenal at 
Liberty. They obtained a supply of arms and ammu- 
nition and by the formation of Camp Jackson near St. 
Louis the arsenal in that city was in a precarious place. 
However, by the vigilance of Captain Nathaniel Lyon 
the arms and stores ^vere sent to Springfield. Troops 
came from Arkansas and from Texas to secure the 
lead mines in the south-west part of the state, and it 
behooved the Union troops to be up and doing. So 
on June 17th Captain Lyon defeated Governor Jack- 
son at Booneville, and on the 5th of July the Union- 
ists, led by Colonel Franz Sigel, were a second time 
successful. This was at Carthage. On August loth 
a hard battle was fought at Wilson's creek near 
Springfield. General L3'on was killed, and his men 
retreated. 

General Price now hurried north to Lexington, which 
was defended by two thousand six hundred Federals 
commanded by Colonel Mulligan, who held the place 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 39 1 

persistently, but was forced to capitulate. On the 
i6th of October Lexington again fell into the hands 
of the Federals, General Fremont following the re- 
treating Confederates as far as Springfield, and here 
he was superseded by General Hunter. The latter 
retreated to St. Louis and Price fell back toward 
Arkansas. 

Though Kentucky had declared her neutrality, the 
Confederate General Polk entered the state and cap- 
tured the town of Columbus. The Confederates in 
great numbers gathered at Belmont on the opposite 
shore of the Mississippi. 

And now General Ulysses S. Grant with three 
thousand Illinois troops was ordered into Missouri. 
He made a successful attack on the Confederate 
camp at Belmont, but was not able to keep it- 
Troops had been gathering at Washington ever 
since the battle of Manassas. General Scott had 
grown old and was retired, and General McClellan 
took command of the Army of the Potomac. By 
October his forces numbered a hundred and fifty 
thousand men. On the 3ist two thousand troops 
^vere transferred across the Potomac at Ball's Bluff. 
They were not properly supported and were attacked 
by a force under General Evans and driven to the 
river, their commander, Colonel Baker, killed, and the 
whole force routed, with a loss of eight hundred men. 

Commodore Stringham and General Benjamin F. 
Butler took command of a naval expedition to the 
coast of North Carolina and on the 34th of August 
captured the forts at Hatteras Inlet, and on the 7th of 
November an armament under Commodore Dupont 



392 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

and General Thomas W. Sherman captured Forts 
Walker and Beauregard. The blockade was now so 
rigorous that communication with foreign countries 
was cut off. 

And yet in these dark days the Southern aristocracy 
still kept up. The Southern ladies wore many a time 
gowns of unbleached muslin, and I have heard it said 
by eye witnesses that in the halls or parlors lighted 
with candles the effect was so like velvet that only 
the initiated knew the material. Doubtless to this the 
beauty of cheese cloth became known, and the in- 
genuity which helped these people to keep appear- 
ances of comfort and elegance when the land was 
desolated would be a book worth reading. 

The Confederate government appointed as em- 
bassadors to France and England John M. Mason and 
John Slidell. The envoys escaped the blockade and 
reached Havana in safety, where they took passage on 
the British steamer Trent for Europe. But on the 
8th of November the vessel was overtaken by the 
United States frigate San Jacinto^ commanded by 
Captain Wilkes. The Trent was hailed and boarded ; 
the two embassadors were seized, transferred to the San 
yacintoand carried to Boston. When the Tre7it reached 
England and the story had been told all England was 
stirred up as it had been at the time of the Boston Tea 
Party. Had the United States defended Captain 
Wilkes, a war with England would have inevitably 
followed ; and to the diplomacy of William H. Seward 
we are indebted for the preservation of peace. Great 
Britain demanded reparation for the insult and the re- 
lease of the prisoners. He replied in a very able and, 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 393 

at the same time cautious manner. It was conceded 
that the seizure of Mason and Slidell was not justifi- 
able according to the law of nations. An apology 
for the wrong done was offered, and the embassadors 
liberated and sent to England on a United States 
vessel. This ended the first year of the civil war. 

At the commencement of the year 1863 the 
United States forces were about four hundred and 
fifty thousand men. Two hundred thousand were 
under command of General McClellan, encamped near 
Washington. General Buell commanded another 
division stationed near Louisville, Kentucky. Colonel 
Humphrey Marshall, commanding a Confederate force 
on Big Sandy river, had a battle with Federal soldiers 
under command of James A. Garfield, colonel. The 
Confederates were defeated. Ten days later a battle 
of importance occurred at Mill Spring, Kentucky. 
The Confederates, commanded by Generals Critten- 
den and ZollicofFer, were severely defeated by the 
forces of General George H. Thomas. General 
Zollicoffer was killed in the battle. General Halleck 
had planned at the beginning of the year the capture 
of Forts Henry and Donelson on the Tennessee and 
Cumberland. Commodore Foote was sent up the 
Tennessee with a fleet of gunboats, and General 
Grant was ordered to move forward against Fort 
Henry. Before the land forces reached that place the 
flotilla compelled the evacuation of the fort, the 
Confederates escaping to Donelson. 

The Federal gunboats now dropped down the 
Tennessee and then went up the Cumberland. Grant 
pressed on from Fort Henry, and began the siege of 



394 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Fort Donelson. General Buckner manned the de- 
fences with ten thousand Confederates. General 
Grant's force was about thirty thousand. On the i6th 
of February Buckner surrendered. His army became 
prisoners of war, and all the magazines, stores and 
guns of the fort became the property of the United 
States. 

General Grant took his forces up the Tennessee to 
Pittsburg landing. The camp was at Shiloh church, 
near the river. On the 6th of April a large Con- 
federate force commanded by Generals Johnston and 
Beauregard charged the camp. A terrific battle 
ensued in which the loss on either side was estimated 
at ten thousand in killed, wounded and missing. 
General Johnston was killed and Beauregard re- 
treated to Corinth. 

The Confederates after leaving Columbus, Kentucky, 
fortified themselves at Island Number Ten in the 
Mississippi, opposite New Madrid. General Pope 
with a body of western troops advanced on Number 
Ten, while Commodore Foote descended the Mississippi 
with his gunboats. Pope captured New Madrid, and 
Island Number Ten was besieged for twenty-three 
days. On the 7th of April the Confedeiates attempted 
to escape, but Pope had cut off the retreat. The 
garrison was captured and it numbered five thousand. 

The fleet of Commodore Davis captured Memphis 
on the 6th of June. Quite early in the year General 
Curtis had taken his command into Arkansas and had 
encamped his forces at Pea Ridge in the mountains. 
The 6th of March he was attacked by twenty thousand 
Confederates and Indians commanded by Generals 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 395 

McCulloch, Mcintosh and Pike. The battle con- 
tinued for two days and was hard fought. General 
Curtis was victorious. McCulloch and Mcintosh 
were killed and the Confederates retreated in the 
direction of Ttxas. 

After the navy yard at Norfolk had been destroyed 
the Confederates had the 3/errtmac raised (one of the 
sunken ships) and the sides plated with iron, and then 
sent to attack the Union fleet at Fortress Monroe. The 
Merrimac reached her destination on the 8th of March, 
and immediately commenced her work of havoc. The 
two valuable vessels, the Cuinberland and the Con- 
gress^ were sent to the bottom. During the en- 
suing night the Monitor^ invented by Captain 
John Ericsson, arrived from New York and the 
next morning the two iron-clads faced each other. 
The battle lasted five hours and then the Merrimac 
was so disabled that she was obliged to put back to 
Norfolk for repairs. A Federal squadron commanded 
by General Burnside and Commodore Goldsborough 
attacked the Confederate fortifications on Roanoke 
island. The garrison, nearly three thousand strong, 
were taken prisoners, and General Burnside proceeded 
against Newbern and captured the city on the 14th of 
March. He kept on southward till he reached the 
harbor of Beaufort, and on the 25th of April took 
possession of that place also. Fort Pulaski at the 
mouth of the Savannah surrendered to General Gilmore 
on the nth of the month, and a powerful squadron 
early in April, commanded by General Butler and 
Admiral Farragut, went up the Mississippi and at- 
tacked Forts JacVson and St. Philip, thirty miles 



396 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

above the gulf. The fight commenced on the i8th 
and on the sixth day afterwards the admiral succeeded 
in running past the batteries. The next day he 
reached New Orleans and captured the city. General 
Butler became commandant and the fortifications were 
manned by fifteen thousand Union soldiers. In all the 
history of New^ Orleans this year is marked without 
sickness — due to the excellent sanitary condition 
maintained by General Butler. 

On the 38th Forts Jackson and St. Philip surren- 
dered to Admiral Porter, and while this was going on 
at the South the Confederates were invading Ken- 
tucky in two strong divisions, one led by Colonel 
Kirby Smith and the other by General Bragg. On 
the 30th of August Smith's army reached Rich- 
mond and attacked the Union forces stationed there. 
Smith w^as victorious and the Union loss heavy. 
Lexington next succumbed and then Frankfort, and. 
Cincinnati owes her escape to General Wallace. 
General Bragg with his army was coming up from 
Chattanooga, and on September 17th captured a de- 
tachm.ent of four thousand five hundred men at Mum- 
fordsville. The Confederate general pressed on to 
Louisville, and had it not been for General Buell that 
would have fallen into his hands. Buell's army now 
numbered a hundred thousand men. In October he 
left Louisville and overtook General Bragg at Perry- 
ville. There was a sharp, but indecisive battle, and the 
Confederates, carrying a supply of spoils with them, 
retreated into east Tennessee. On September 19th 
there was a hard battle between Generals Rosecrans 
and Grant commandins: Union forces and General 



LINCOLN AND THE RKBELLION. 397 

Price of the Confederates. General Price was de- 
feated, losing a thousand prisoners besides the killed 
and wounded. General Grant with part of the 
Federal forces marched to Jackson, Tennessee, and 
General Rosecrans with twenty thousand men took a 
position at Corinth. Generals Van Dorn and Price 
turned about to recapture Corinth, but after two days' 
fighting they were repulsed. General Grant in the 
meantime moved forward to co-operate with General 
Sherman in an effort to capture Vicksburg. On the 
loth of December General Van Dorn cut off General 
Grant's supplies at Holly Springs, and so obliged him 
to retreat. On the same day General Sherman dropped 
down the river from Memphis to the Yazoo, and on 
the 29th he made an attack on the Confederates at 
Chickasaw Bayou, which was unsuccessful and very 
disastrous to the Union forces, who lost in killed, 
wounded and taken prisoners more than three thou- 
sand men. 

General Rosecrans was now transferred to the 
Army of the Cumberland, with headquarters at Nash- 
ville. General Bragg, when he retired from Ken- 
tucky, had taken his forces to Murfreesborough. 
Rosecrans with his forces set out for Stone river, 
when Bragg's forces were near Murfreesborough. On 
the next morning a furious battle was fought, only 
ending when night descended. During the night 
Rosecrans rallied his soldiers and at daybreak they 
were ready to renew the conflict, but Bragg's army 
was not ready. The 2nd of January, however, Bragg's 
army rushed to the onset. At first they were success- 
ful, but then the tide of battle turned and they were 



398 FOUR HU.NDKED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

driven back with heavy losses. Bragg withdrew 
towards Chattanooga. 

In Virginia tlie Shenandoah valley was the first 
scene of war in that year. General Banks was sent 
forward with a strong division and the last of March 
(1862) occupied the town of Harrisburg. Stonewall 
Jackson with twenty thousand men was sent to cut 
off Banks' retreat. At Front Royal the Confederates 
fell upon the Federals, routed them and captured 
their guns and stores. General Banks, however, suc- 
ceeded in getting his main division to Strasburg and 
•escaping out of the valley. Jackson was now in peril, 
General Fremont having been sent into the valley to 
•cut oft his retreat. Jackson, however, succeeded in 
reaching Cross Keys before Fremont could attack him, 
:and the engagement was so ineffectual that Jackson 
pressed on to Fort Republic, where he attacked and 
defeated General Shields. 

It was on the loth of March when the Army of the 
Potomac broke their camp and set out for the Con- 
federate capital. The advance proceeded to Manassas 
Junction, where McClellan, changing his plan, sent a 
hundred and twenty thousand of his men to Fortress 
Monroe. From that place on the 4th of April the 
Union army advanced to Yorktow^n, which was de- 
fended by ten thousand Confederates under General 
Magruder. And here the advance remained for a 
month. Yorktown was taken on the 4th of May, and 
the Federal army pressed forward to West Point at 
the junction of the Mattapony and Pamunkey. Mc- 
Clellan reached the Chickahominy without serious 
resistance and crossed at Bottom's Bridge. General 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 399 

Wool, commandant of Fortress Monroe, led an expedi- 
tion against Norfolk and captured the town. The 
day following the iron-clad Virginia was blown 
up to save her from capture. The James river was 
now opened for the supply transports of the Army of 
the Potomac. On the 31st of May that army was 
attacked by the Confederates at a place called Fair 
Oaks, or Seven Pines, The battle was waged with 
fury for two days. Then the Confederates were 
driven back, but McClellan's victory was not a decis- 
ive one. General Joseph E. Johnston, commander-in- 
chief of the Confederate army, was severely wounded, 
and General Robert E. Lee became commandant. 
McClellan formed a plan of retiring to a point below 
Richmond, but before the movement was fairly begun 
General Lee struck the right wing of the Union forces 
at Oak Grove and a hard fought battle was the result. 
The day following an engagement followed at Me- 
chanicsville, and the Federals won the day. The next 
morning Lee renewed the struggle at Gaines* Mill and 
was victorious. On the 28th McClellan's army was 
attacked at Savage's Station and later in the White 
Oak swamp. The Confederates were kept at bay. 
On the 30th occurred the desperate battle of Glendale 
on Frazier's farm. On that night the Federals reached 
Malvern Hill, twelve miles below Richmond. Gen- 
eral Lee determined to carry the place by storm and 
on the morning of July ist the entire Confederate 
army rushed forward to the assault. And all the long 
day they struggled for possession of the high ground, 
and for sevefi days without cessation the roar of 
musketrv and thunder of cannon never ceased. Gen- 



400 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

eral McClellan retired with his army to Harrison's 
landing, a few miles down the river. The Federal 
army had lost more than fifteen thousand men, and 
the Confederate loss was still greater. General Lee 
then formed the plan of taking the Federal capital. 
The Union troops between Richmond and Washing- 
ton were under command of General John Pope. Lee 
moved northward, and on the 20th of August Pope 
retreated beyond the Rappahannock, and General 
Banks was attacked by Stonewall Jackson at Cedar 
Mountain, where only the most vigorous fighting 
saved the Federals their position. Jackson hurried 
by with his division on a flank movement to Manassas 
Junction, where he made large captures. Pope threw 
his army between the two Confederate armies. On 
August 28th and 29th there was a fearful battle on 
the same field where the first Bull Run battle had 
occurred. Pope's reinforcements were withheld by 
General Porter and on the 31st the Confederates 
struck the Union army at Chantilly, winning a great 
victory. Generals Stevens and Kearney, men of 
courage and ability, were killed in this battle. Pope 
withdrew his mutilated army to Washington with all 
the speed possible. 

General Lee by crossing the Potomac at the Point 
of Rocks was enabled to capture Frederick on the 6th 
of September. Hagerstown succumbed the loth, and 
on the 15th Stonewall Jackson seized Harpe:'s Ferry, 
w^ith nearly twelve thousand prisoners. On the day 
previous there had been a hard fought battle at South 
Mountain. In this the Federals were victorious. 

McClellan's army was now in the rear of Lee, who 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4OI 

fell back to Antietam creek and took up an important 
position near Sharpsburg. Then followed two days 
of skirmishing, terminating- on the 7th with one of the 
decisive battles. Lee withdrew his forces and re- 
crossed the Potomac, 

McClellan moved to Rectortown, Virginia, where 
he was superseded by General Burnside, who changed 
the plan of the campaign and advanced to Fredericks- 
burg. Again the two armies faced each other. Burn- 
side's movement was delayed and it was not until the 
12th day of December that a passage could be effected. 
By this delay the Confederates had opportunity to for- 
tify the heights south of the river and were enabled to 
do vast damage to the Union forces. This ended 1862. 

On the day after the battle of Malvern Hill Presi- 
dent Lincoln issued a call for three hundred thousand 
troops. During Pope's retreat from Malvern Hill he 
had made another call iov three hundred thousand, diwd 
to that was added a draft for three hundred thousand 
more. Most of the demands were promptly met, and 
it now became evident that the resources of the South 
were inferior to those of the North. 

January ist, 1863, the president issued the emanci- 
pation proclamation. Now w^hen the war w^as begun 
it was not for the purpose of emancipation, but to 
prove the sovereignty of the union. During the 
years of the war the sentiment of abolition of slavery 
had grown rapidly, "and when it became a military 
necessity to strike a blow at the labor system of the 
South the step was taken with little opposition.'' 
vSlavery had existed two hundred and forty-four years 
in America. 



402 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

General Sherman despatched an expedition early in 
January to take Arkansas Post on the Arkansas river. 
The Union forces reached their destination on the loth 
of the month, fought a battle with the Confederates 
and won the day. The garrison surrendered nearly 
five thousand prisoners. Very soon the union forces 
were gathered together for the storming of Vicksburg. 
General Grant spent three months among the bayous 
around Vicksburg in the hope of getting a position in 
the rear of the town. Canals were begun and washed 
away by floods. At length it was determined to run 
the fleet past the Vicksburg batteries. On the night 
of the i6th the boats dropped down the river. The 
batteries poured out shot and shell, but the swift 
steamers were soon out of range and were but little 
hurt. General Grant marched his land forces down 
to form a junction with the squadron. May ist he 
defeated the Confederates at Port Gibson. The 
evacuation of the Grand Gulf came next. The Union 
army now swept round to the rear of Vicksburg. On 
the i2th of May a Confederate force was defeated at 
Raymond. On the 14th a battle near Jackson resulted 
in a Union victory. General Pemberton, commander 
of Confederate forces, sallied forth with his forces 
from Vicksburg, was defeated by Grant on the i6th 
at Champion Hills and on the 17th at Black River 
bridge. Pemberton then retreated inside the defences 
of Vicksburg. And now the city w^as besieged. 
Grant made an attack on it the 19th of May and 
was repulsed with a terrible loss. The siege went on 
and Admiral Porter bombarded the town incessantly. 
Reinforcements came to Grant, but the city held out 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4O3 

until July 4th, when Pemberton was driven to sur- 
render. The defenders of Vicksburg, numbering 
thirty thousand, were made prisoners of war. Thou- 
sands of small arms, hundreds of cannon and vast 
quantities of ammunition w^ere the spoils of Grant. 

General Banks had during this time been conduct- 
ing a campaign on the lower Mississippi. From Baton 
Rouge he advanced to Brashear City, and gained a 
victory oyer the Confederates at Bayou Teche. He 
then besieged Fort Hudson (the last on the river held 
by Confederates), and the garrison, containing six 
thousand men who made a gallant fight, were made 
prisoners of war on the 8th of July. 

The raid of Colonel Benjamin Grierson with the 
sixth Illinois cavalry occurred before the siege of 
Vicksburg. He started from La Grange, Tennessee, 
traveled over Mississippi to the east of Jackson, cut the 
railroads, destroyed the property, and after a rapid 
course of eight hundred miles reached Baton Rouge. 
Late in the spring Colonel Streight's command went 
into Georgia, but w^ere surrounded and captured by 
General Forrest. 

It was late in June when General Rosecrans suc- 
ceeded in crowding General Bragg out of Tennessee, 
and then Rosecrans took post at Chattanooga on the 
left bank of the Tennessee. Later in the summer 
Bragg was reinforced by Johnston and Longstieet. 
On the 19th of vSeptember General Bragg turned on 
the Federals at Chickamauga creek, in the northwest 
angle of Georgia. A hard battle was fought, but the 
night came before it was decided. At daylight the 
fight was renew^ed. After the conflict had continued 



404 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

for some hours the national battle line was opened by 
a mistake of General Wood. Bragg quickly thrust a 
heavy column into the g^ap, cut the Union army in 
two and routed the right wing. General Thomas 
desperately held the left until nightfall and then with- 
drew to Chattanooga. The Union loss was nineteen 
thousand and the Confederates lost even more. Bragg 
then pressed forward to Chattanooga. General 
Hooker, arriving with two corps from the Army of the 
Potomac, opened the Tennessee and the danger for 
the time was over. 

General Grant now succeeded Thomas at Chatta- 
nooga, and General Sherman arriving with his 
division, offensive operations were at once renewed 
on the 24th of November. Lookout Mountain (oc- 
cupied by the Confederates) was stormed by the 
division under General Hooker. The next day 
Missionary Ridge was carried and Bragg's army fell 
back to Ringgold. Burnside arrived at Knoxville 
with his command on the 20th of November. The 
Confederates attempted to carry the town by storm, 
but were defeated. General Longstreet made the 
charge and he then retreated to Virginia. Early in 
1863 the Confederates resumed activity in Arkansas 
and northern Missouri, and on the Sth of January they 
attacked Springfield, Illinois, but were repulsed. 
Three days later a battle was fought at Hartsville 
with like results. The 26th of April General Marma- 
duke» attacked the post at Cape Girardeau, but the 
garrison drove the Confederate army away. July 4th 
General Holmes made an attack on the Federals at 
Helena, Arkansas, but was repulsed. On the 13th of 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 



405 



August Lawrence, Kansas, was sacked and a hundred 
and forty persons killed by a band ot desperadoes led 
by Chieftain Quantrell. On the loth of September 
General Steele with Federal soldiers captured Little 
Rock, Arkansas. 

It was in the summer of this year that the Con- 
federate General Morgan made his famous raid 
through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. He was finally 
captured near New Lisbon by a detachment of 
General Shackleford, and imprisoned. After four 
months, however, he escaped and made his way back 
to Richmond. On January ist, 1863, General ISIa- 
gruder captured Galveston, Texas, and by this means 
the Confederates secured a port of entry in the south- 
west. On the 7th of April, 1S63, Admiral Dupont 
with a fleet of iron-clads attempted to capture Charles- 
ton, but was driven back. In June she was besieged 
by a large land force under General Q. A. Gillmore, 
assisted by Admiral Dahlgren's fleet. When the 
bombardment had continued some time General 
Gillmore on July iSth attempted to carry Fort Wagner 
by assault, but was severely repulsed. The siege pro- 
gressed until the 6th of September, when the Con- 
federates abandoned the fort and souofht shelter in 
Charleston. Gillmore turned his guns on the wharves 
and buildings in the lower part of the city, but 
Charleston still held out, and the real gain of the 
Federals was a complete blockade. 

General Burnside (after his repulse at Fredericks- 
burg) had been superseded by General Joseph Hooker, 
who late in May crossed the Rappahannock and 
reached Chancellorsville. Here on the morning of 



406 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

the 2nd of May he was attacked by Lee and Jackson, 
commanding the Army of Northern Viginia. Jackson 
at the head of twenty-five thousand men outflanked 
the Union army, burst upon the right wing and swept 
the very earth, but as the night came on the general 
received a volley from his own soldiers and spoke no 
more. The battle was renewed on the 3rd, General 
Sedgwick was defeated and driven across the Rappa- 
hannock. The main army lay between Chancellors- 
villa and the river in a narrow space. On the 5th 
General Hooker succeeded in withdrawing his forces 
to the north bank. The Union losses were seventeen 
thousand, the Confederates about twelve thousand. 
The cavalry raid of General Stoneman came next. 
He crossed the Rappahannock with ten thousand 
men, tore up the Virginia Central railroad, cut General 
Lee's communications, swept within a few miles of 
Richmond and back across the river in safety. 

General Lee now thought to take the war into the 
North. Early in June he crossed the Potomac and 
captured Hagerstown, Maryland ; on the 22d he entered 
Chambersbufg, Pennsylvania, and passed on through 
Carlisle to within a few miles of Harrisburg. The 
militia was called out, and volunteers poured in from 
other states. General Hooker pushed forward. Gen- 
eral Lee concentrated his forces at Gettysburg. There 
the two armies met, each numbering about eighty 
thousand. Just on the eve of battle the command of 
the Union forces was transferred to General Aleade, 
who took a position on the hills surrounding Gettys- 
burg, and the armies stood face to face. The conflict 
began the ist day of July and for three days raged 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 407 

with terrible fury. The victory was with the Army 
of the United States, and Lee hurried back into Vir- 
ginia. The Confederate loss was nearly thirty thou- 
sand, the Federal loss twenty-three thousand six 
hundred and eighty-six. 

The Union army returned to the Potomac. A little 
later West Virginia was separated from the old 
dominion and became the thirty-fifth state in the 
Union. 

Early in February, 1864, General Sherman moved 
from Vicksburg to Meridian. In this region the rail- 
road tracks had been torn up for a hundred and fifty 
miles. At Meridian General Sherman expected a 
force of Federal cavalry which had been sent out 
from Memphis under General Smith. The latter 
advanced into Mississippi, but was met by the cavalry 
of Forrest and turned back to Memphis. General 
Sherman retraced his steps to Vicksburg. Forrest con- 
tinued his raid to Paducah, Kentucky, and made an 
assault on Fort Anderson, but was repulsed with a 
severe loss. Turning back into Tennessee, he came 
upon Fort Pillow on the Mississippi and took it by 
storm. 

In the spring of 1864 General Banks undertook the 
Red River expedition. The object was to take 
Shreveport, the seat of the Confederate government 
of Louisiana. The Federal advance captured Fort de 
Russy the 14th of March. The Confederates retreated 
to Alexandria, and on the i6th that place was taken 
by the Federals, and three days later Natchitoches 
was captured. The fleet now proceeded up the 
stream toward Shreveport and the land forces marched 



408 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMErTcA. 

to the left. At Mansfied on the 8th of April the 
advancing Federals were attacked by the Confederates 
and completely routed, and at Pleasant Hill the next 
day the main army suffered defeat. The flotilla now 
descended the rivei towards Shreveport. The whole 
expedition returned rapidly to the Mississippi. Mean- 
time General Steele had advanced from Little Rock 
to aid in taking Shreveport, but learning of the 
Federal defeat he withdrew after some severe engage- 
ments. 

On the 2nd of March, 1864, General Grant was 
appointed commander-in-chief of all the armies of the 
United States. Seven hundred thousand soldiers were 
at his command. Two great campaigns were planned 
for this year. The Army of the Potomac under Gen- 
eral Meade and the commander-in-chief was to 
advance to Richmond. * General Sherman with a hun- 
dred thousand men was to march from Chattanooga 
to Atlanta. 

On the 7th of May the Sherman forces moved. At 
Dalton he turned Johnston's flank and obliged him to 
fall back to Resaca. After two hard battles on the 
14th and 15th Dalton was carried, the Confederates 
retreating to Dallas, where Johnston made a second 
stand on the 28th, but was again outflanked and com- 
pelled to flee to Lost Mountain. He was driven from 
this position on the 17th of June. He next made a 
stand at Great and Little Kenesaw mountains. From 
this line on the 22nd of June the division of General 
Hood made a desperate attack, but only to be repulsed 
with heavy losses. Five days later General Sherman 
attempted to carry Great Kenesaw by storm, but 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4O9 

there was a serious repulse. Sherman resumed his 
former tactics, and on the 3d of July compelled his 
anta<yonist to retreat across the Chattahoochee, and bv 
the loth of July the whole Confederate army of the 
South had retired to Atlanta. This city was at once 
besieged. It was the stronghold of the South. Here 
v/ere the machine shops, foundries and car works of 
the Confederacy. At the beginning of the siege 
General Johnston was superseded by General Hood 
The latter on the 20th, 22nd and 28th of July made three 
assaults on the Union lines, and was repulsed with 
heavy loss. General James B. McPherson was killed 
in the battle of the 22nd. For more than a month the 
siege was steadfast. At last Hood was obliged to 
evacuate Atlanta, and the Union army marched into 
the captured city. 

General Hood, marching northward toward Ten- 
nessee, went through northern Alabama and crossed 
the river at Florence and advanced on Nashville. In 
the meantime General Thomas had been detached 
from Sherman's army and sent north to confront 
Hood.~ General Schofield, commanding the army in 
Tennessee, fell back before the Confederates and took 
a position at Franklin, and here on the 30th of No 
vember he was attacked by Hood's legions, and held 
in check till nightfall, when he retreated within the 
defenses at Nashville. All General Thomas' force 
was here concentrated. Hood came on confident of 
victory and prepared to begin the siege, but before he 
had made scarce a beginning General Thomas fell 
upon the Confederate army and routed it with a loss 
of more than twent3^-five thousand men. Hood*s 



4IO FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

retreat was followed until they reached Alabama. 

The 14th of November General Sherman burned 
Atlanta and began his march to the sea. His army 
numbered sixty thousand men. He cut his communi- 
cations with the North, abandoned his base of supplies 
and started for the coast, two hundred and fifty miles 
away. His army passed through Macon and Mil- 
ledgeville, crossed the Ogeechee, captured Gibson and 
Waynesborough, and on the loth of Decembe'r arrived 
near Savannah. On the 13th Fort McAllister was 
taken by storm. On the night of the 20th General 
Hardee, the Confederate commandant, escaped from 
Savannah and retreated to Charleston. On the 22nd 
General Sherman's headquarters were in Savannah. 

January, 1865, was spent by the Union army at 
Savannah. On February ist Sherman took up the 
march to Columbia, South Carolina. There were not 
sufficient Confederates to make him trouble. On the 
same night Hardee, having destroyed the public prop- 
erty of Charleston, kindled fires which laid in ashes 
four squares and then ran away. The next morning the 
National forces entered. From Charleston General 
Sherman marched into North Carolina and on March 
nth captured Fayetteville. 

General Johnston was now recalled to the command 
ot the Southern army, and he began to oppose the 
march of the powerful army. At Averasborough on 
Cape Fear river General Hardee made a stand, but 
^vas repulsed. General Johnston's army attacked the 
Union forces on March 19th when they were ap- 
proaching Bentonsville, and for a while the Union 
forces were in danger, but hard fighting won the day, 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4I I 

and on the 21st Sherman entered Goldsborough, 
where he was reinforced by Generals Schofield and 
Terry. The Federal army turned to the north-west 
and on April 13th entered Raleigh. Here on the 
22nd of April General Johnston formally surrendered 
his army to General Sherman. 

During this war on land Admiral Farragut bore 
down on the defences of Mobile, which consisted of 
a monster iron-clad (the Tennessee) and Confederate 
fleet. Farragut managed to run past Forts Morgan 
and Gaines into the harbor, and it is related that in 
order to direct the movements of his vessels he 
mounted to the main top of the Hartford^ lashed him- 
self to the rigging, and from that lofty place gave out 
order's during the battle. One of his ships struck a 
torpedo and sank. The rest dispersed the Confederate 
squadron, but just as it seemed the day w^as won 
the Tennessee came down upon the Hartford. The 
Union ships closed around her and battered her with 
fifteen inch bolts of iron until she surrendered. Next 
came the capture of Fort Fisher, at the entrance 
of Cape Fear river. In December Admiral Porter 
was sent w^ith a large squadron to besiege and take 
the fort. General Butler, commanding six thousand 
and five hundred men, accompanied the expedition. 
The troops went ashore on the 24th to storm the 
works, but General Weitzel, who led, came near 
enough to reconnoitre and decided that an assault 
would not carry the fort. General Butler was of the 
same opinion, so the enterprise was abandoned. Early 
in January the siege w^as renewed and on the 15th 
Fort Fisher was taken bv storm. 



4^2 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

During the war much damage was done by the 
Confederate iron-clad ship. Lieutenant Gushing with 
a number of volunteers on board a small steamer 
entered the Roanoke and saw an immense iron ram, 
the Albemarle^ lying in Plymouth harbor. Very 
cautiously he approached and placed a torpedo be- 
neath it. The ship was blown to pieces and all of 
Lieutenant Cushing's men but one were lost also. 
The Savannah was the first ship sent out. She was 
captured the day she escaped from Charleston. In 
June of 1861 the Stifnter^ commanded by Captain 
Semmes, ran the blockade at New Orleans and did 
tremendous execution with Union merchant ships. 
But in February, 1862, Semmes was chased into the 
harbor of Gibraltar, where he sold his vessel. The 
Nashville ran out of Charleston and returned with a 
cargo worth several million of dollars. In March, 
1863, she was sunk by a Union iron-clad in the 
Savannah river. When the Union vessels had 
blockaded all the Southern ports the Confederates 
built their monster cruisers in English ship yards. 
The. Florida was built-in Liverpool harbor, and she 
succeeded in getting into Mobile bay. She destroyed 
fifteen merchantmen before she was captured and 
sunk in Hampton Roads. The Georgia^ Olustee 
Shenandoah and Chickamauga, all built at the ship 
yards ot Glasgow, Scotland, worked ruin to many a 
merchant ship of the United States. The Alabama 
built at Liverpool, was the most destructive of all 
Confederate ships. She destroyed sixty-six ships, 
whose valuation with cargoes was more than 
ten millions of dollars. She was commanded 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4I3 

Captain Semmes, who before that had com. 
manded the Szcmter, In the whole career of the 
Alabama she never entered a Confederate fort. The 
Alabama was caught in the harbor of Cherbourg, 
France, by Captain Winslow, commander of the 
steamer Kearsarge. June 19th Semmes went out of 
the harbor to give his antagonist battle. The fight 
for an hour w^as desperate/ and then the Alabaina 
>vas sunk. Semmes was picked up by the English 
Deerhound and carried to England. 

The night of May 3rd, 1864, the National camp at 
Culpepper was broken and the march to Richmond 
Tvas begun. The first day of the advance Grant 
crossed the Rapidan and entered the wilderness, a 
forest of thickets and oaks. He was immediately at- 
tacked by the Confederate army. The fighting was in- 
cessant during the 5th^ 6th and 7th of the month. There 
were terrible losses on both sides, but nothing decisive. 
Grant then made a flank inovement in the direction of 
Spottsylvania Court House, and here from the 9th to 
the 1 3th followed the bitterest struggle of the war. 
The Federals gained some ground. They captured ' 
General Stewart's division. The losses of the Con- 
federates was less than the Nationals. Grant now 
moved to the left, crossed the Famunkey and came to 
Cold Harbor, twelve miles northwest of Richmond. 
Here he attacked the Confederates on the ist of June, 
^ut was repulsed with serious losses. On the morn- 
ing of the 3rd the assault was renewed and in thirty 
minutes nearly ten thousand Union soldiers were 
killed or wounded before the Confederate trenches. 
The Federals lines never wavered, however. General 



414 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Grant now changed his base to James river. General 
Butler had already taken City Point and the Bermuda 
Hundred. On the 15th of June Butler was joined 
by the whole of Grant's army. The combined forces 
moved forward and began the siege of Petersburg. 

In the Shenandoah valley very important move- 
ments were going on. As soon as Grant moved from 
the Rapidan, General Sigel marched up the valley 
to New Market, where he met and was defeated by 
the Confederate cavalry under General Breckinridge, 
who after the victory returned to Richmond. The 
Federals, perceiving his course, turned about, over- 
took the Confederates at Piedmont, and gained a 
signal victory, and from there Generals Hunter and 
Averill advanced against Lynchburg, and so the valley 
was again opened to invasion. 

Lee dispatched General Early to cross the Blue 
Ridge, invade Maryland and threaten Washington 
city. Early at once began the march with twenty 
thousand men, and on July 5th crossed the Potomac. 
On the 9th he defeated the division of General 
Wallace on [the Monocacy, but this battle saved 
Washington and Baltimore from capture. General 
Wright with his command followed close upon Early 
as far as Winchester. There Early wheeled upon 
Wright and the Union troops were forced to cross th-e 
Potomac. Early marched to Chambersburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, which he burned. 

General Grant now gave General Philip H. Sheridan 
command of the army of the upper Potomac. Thf> 
troops placed at his disposal were about forty thou- 
sand. On the 19th of September Sheridan marched 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 415 

upon Early at Winchester and routed him by hard 
fighting. On the 22d he gained another victory at 
Fisher's Hill. Sheridan turned the attention of his 
troops to devastating the valley and soon there was 
nothing worth fighting about between the Blue 
Ridge and the Alleghanies. Maddened by his defeats, 
Early rallied his forces and again entered the valley. 
Sheridan, having posted his men on Cedar Creek, felt 
secure in leaving the army and going to Washington. 
On the 19th of October Early surprised the camp, 
captured the artillery, and sent the routed soldiers in 
great confusion to Winchester. The Confederates 
pursued as far as Middletown, and there paused to eat 
and rest. On the previous night Sheridan had returned 
to Winchester, and was now coming to rejoin his 
army. He rode (as Jehu might have done under the 
circumstances) twelve miles, rallied the fugitives, and 
gained one of the most distinguished victories of the 
war, Early's army being completely ruined. 

All through the fall and winter the siege of Peter- 
burg still went on. The 30th of July a mine was ex- 
ploded under one of the forts, but the assaulting com- 
pany were repulsed forcibly. A divison of the Union 
army seized the Weldon railroad and held it against 
several assaults. This was on the i8th of August. 
Battery Harrison was stormed by the Federals Sep- 
tember 28th, and on the next day General Paine's 
brigade carried the redoubt on Spring Hill. On the 
27th of October Boydton road was the scene of 
another battle, which ended the campaign, the army 
going into winter quarters. 

Sheridan stained a victory over Early on the 27th of 



416 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

February and then joined the commander-in-chief. A 
severe battle was fought April ist at Five Forks. 
The Confederates w^ere defeated with a loss of six 
thousand prisoners. The next day Grant ordered a 
general assault on the lines of Petersburg and the 
place was carried. On Ihat night Lee and the Con- 
federate government shook off the dust of Richmond. 
The next morning it was filled with Federal troops. 
The Confederates before leaving burned the ware- 
houses and the best part of the city. 

The Confederate army retreated as fast as possible 
to the southwest. At Deatonsville, when hard 
pressed by the pursuing army, they did turn and fight. 
The pursuit was kept up for five days, and then Lee 
was brought to bay at Appomatox court house. It 
was the 9th of April, 1865, when the Army of North 
Virginia surrendered and the Confederacy was no 
more. 

General Grant gave Lee and his army the most 
liberal terms known in war. Federal authority was 
speedily established in the South. Mr. Davis and 
his cabinet escaped to Danville, and for a few days 
kept up the form of government. From Danville 
they fled into North Carolina. The ex-president con- 
tinued his flight into Georgia, and encamped near 
Irwinsville, where he fell into the hands of General 
Wilson's cavalry on May loth. He was taken to 
Fortress Monroe and confined until May, 1867, when 
he was carried to Richmond to be tried for treason. 
He was admitted to bail and the case dismissed. 

At the election in 1864 President Lincoln was re- 
elected. Andrew Johnson of Tennessee was elected 



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LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 



417 



vice president. Nebraska came into the union, the 
• thirty sixth state. The gold and silver mines of 
Nevada now exceeded those of California. The New 
York quotations of gold were on January ist, 152 ; 
April ist, 166^; July ist, 245; October ist, 191^ tO" 
193^. The market price of middling upland cotton in 
New York on January ist, 1S64, was 81 to 82 cents ; 
on April ist, 76 cents ; on July ist, $1.50 to $1.52 :. 
and on October ist, $1.15 to $1.20. 

In the year 1S62 the expenses of the army averaged 
a million of dollars daily. This was greatly increased 
afterward, and to pay off the debt congress provided 
an internal revenue — made up from two sources — one- 
on manufactures, salaries and incomes ; the other a 
stamp on all legal documents. Then came the issue-- 
of legal tender notes of the United States used as; 
money. These were the greenbacks. These notes 
were redeemable after certain times in specie. The 
third source of revenue was the sale of United States 
bonds. The interest on these were six per cent, pay- 
able in gold semi-annually. Then congress passed an. 
act providing for the establishment of national banks.. 
National bonds instead of gold and siver were used as a. 
basis of the circulation of these banks, and the redemp-- 
tion of their bills was guaranteed by the treasury of the: 
United States. The lowest denomination of paper- 
money (then vulgarly called shin-plasters) was three: 
cents. 

At that time everything was high. In the Nortb 
good calico, such as sells for 8 cents in 1S92, cost 75 
cents per yard ; bleached muslin or shirting sometimes 
cost 80 cents ; white sugar of the quality known as 



4l8 FOUR IILWDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

coffee A was 75 cents per pound. Goods of all kinds 
were much more expensive. I have seen a little 
pink calico gown made from seven yards of material 
that cost three hundred dollars in Confederate money. 
During the war the national debt had reached 
nearly three tJtousand millions of dollars. President 
Lincoln was inaugurated for his second term on the 
4th of March, 1S65. On the evening of the 14th of 
April the president with his wife and a party of 
friends attended Ford's theatre in Washington. As 
the play neared the close John Wilkes Booth, a de- 
generate son of the great actor, slipped into the presi- 
dent's box and shot him through the upper part of the 
head. The president became unconscious until morn- 
ing, when his sufferings were ended. The tragic 
death just after peace had been declared filled the 
whole North with the deepest sorrow. The bells that 
had not ceased to ring the joyful news of peace now 
tolled their grief from the Atlantic to the Pacific. No 
loyal man or woman was so poor that a badge of 
mourning fastened somewhere on the house did not 
tell of the heartache inside. Cities were draped with 
black for thirty days. Lincoln, like Wasliington, was 
universally beloved. While the assassination was 
going on in the theater another murderer, Lewis 
Payne Powell, burst into the chamber of Secretary 
Seward, sprang upon the bed where the sick old man 
lay, and stabbed him. The news was quickly spread, 
and the city thoroughly alarmed. Troops of cavalry 
departed in all directions to hunt down the assassins. 
Booth was found on the 26th of April hidden in a 
barn near Fredericksburg. He refused to surrender 



LINCOLN AND THE REBELLION. 4I9 

and was shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Powell 
was caught and hung. David E. Harrold and George 
A. Atzerott and Mrs. Mary E. Surratt, at whose 
house the plot was laid, were condemned and exe- 
cuted. Michael O'Laughlin, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd 
and Samuel Arnold were sentenced to imprisonment 
for life and Edward Spangler for six years. 

The funeral and procession to Springfield, Illinois 
was the most imposing of any recorded in the history 
of the world. The embalmed body resting in the 
coffin was placed on a m.agnilicent catafalque in the 
green room of the White House nearly filled with 
flowers. The exercises took place in the east room. 
Rev. Drs. Hall, Gurley and Gray and Bishop Simpson 
officiating. The throng of dignitaries was such as 
had never been gathered together under one roof be- 
fore. When the services were concluded the casket 
« was placed in the hearse and gonveyed slowly along 
Pennsylvania avenue. Mournful dirges changed to a 
requiem as they reached the Capitol and were ^^e- 
sponded to by miriute guns from the fortifications. 
The body was borne into the rotunda and the religious 
exercises completed by Dr. Gurley, and then all that 
was mortal of the beloved president, guarded by his 
tried and true veterans, lay in state. Thousands of 
people came to take a last look, and on the morrov^ 
began the long, long journey. It was the 21st of 
April when the cortege left Washington. It was the 
4th of May when "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," was 
repeated as they laid him down to. the long rest God 
gives his beloved. 




CHAPTER XLVII. 
Johnson's administration. 

/\ NDREW JOHNSON became president on the 
day after the assassination. He was born in 
1800 and was a native of Raleigh, North 
Carolina. He had no educational advantages in his 
boyhood. He removed to Greenville, Tennessee, in 
1828, He was a tailor by trade. His wife had some 
educational advantages, and she taught him to read 
and write, and then he grew to "love learning for 
learning's sake." He soon rose to distinction and was 
sent to congress. As a member of the United States 
senate in 1860-61 he opposed secession to his utmost.^ 
In 1862 he was appointed military governor of 
Tennessee. This office he held until elected vice- 
president. 

On the 29th of May the ammesty proclamation was 
issued by the president. By its provisions "a pardon 
-was extended to all persons (except those specified in 
<:ertain classes) who had taken part in upholding the 
Confederacy." 

During the summer of 1865 the great armies were 
discharged and the soldiers returned to their homes. 
The war debt was increasing so rapidly (interest counts 
so fast when it gets into the hundred millions) that 
the yearly interest grew to a hundred and thirty-three 
millions in _s:'old. Government expenses were two 



JOHNSON S ADMINISTRATION. 42 I 

hundred millions yearly. But the national revenues 
were sufficient and the debt shrank very fast. 

Napoleon III, the nephev^ of his illustrous uncle, 
had during the civil war set up a little empire of his 
own in Mexico. In 1864 ^^^ Mexican crown was 
conferred on Maximilian of Austria, very little above 
an imbecile, who sustained his authority by French 
and Austrian soldiers. The Mexican president Juarez 
headed a revolution. The government of the United 
States feared not to rebuke France. Napoleon went 
home with his army and Maximilian was forced to 
flee to Queretaro, where he was besieged and taken 
prisoner. He was tried and condemned to be shot 
and the sentence executed on the 19th of June, 1867. 

On March 30th a treaty was signed by the pleni- 
polentiary of the emperor of Russia and the president 
of the United States, the ratification of which by the 
respective powers were exchanged on the 20th of June 
following. By this treaty the tract of land known as 
Russian America was ceded to the United States for 
the consideration of the sum of seven million two 
hundred thousand dollars. This territory is now known 
as Alaska. Its area is estimated at five hundred 
thousand square miles, with a coast line greater than 
that of the United States on the Atlantic Ocean and 
Gulf of Mexico. 

The Cincinnati suspension bridge across the Ohio 
river connecting Covington with Cincinnati was com- 
pleted and opened for travel this year (1S67). In the 
summer and autumn New Orleans and other cities in 
the southwest were scourged with yellow fever. On 
the 23rd of January, 1868, the East river between New 



422 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

York and Brooklyn was bridged over with ice and 
the number of people who crossed the temporary 
bridge was estimated at five thousand. The price of 
gold this year ranged between 133 and 143, very little 
fluctuation. The export of tobacco in this year was 
184,803,005 pounds. The Atlantic telegraph cable 
after a few weeks could not be managed successfully. 
But Mr. Field continued to advocate the practical 
utility of it and he crossed the ocean fifty times trying 
to get sufficient capital to lay another cable. The 
work was begun from the coast of Ireland in the 
summer of 1865, but the cable parted and was lost. 
In July a third cable two thousand miles in length 
was carried on board the Gi'eat Easter7i and again 
the great work v^as commenced, and this time suc- 
cessfully completed. Congress had a gold medal 
struck for him and as a public benefactor his name 
will live forever. 

It was only a short time after the beginning of 
President Johnson's administration when a disagree- 
ment arose between congress and the president. This 
difficulty was about the reorganization of the Southern 
states. The disputed point was the relations these 
states had sustained to the union during the civil war. 
The president held that the ordinances of secession 
were null and void, and that the seceded states had not 
bec7t out of the union. The majority in congress held 
that secession was illegal and unconstitutional, but 
that these states had been detached from the union, 
and that special legislation was necessary to restore 
them to their former relation. The president com- 
menced measures of reconstruction in 1S65. On the 



JOHNSON S ADMINISTRATION. 433 

9th of May a proclamation was issued for receiving. 
Virginia again into the union. A provisional govern- 
ment was established over South Carolina on the 
29th of the sam.e month, and measures very similar 
were adopted for the remaining Southern "states. All 
restrictions on trade and commerce with the Southern 
states were removed on June 24th. A second amnesty 
proclamation was issued on the 7th of September, by 
which all persons who had upheld the Confederate 
cause excepting the leaders were unconditionally 
pardoned. Meanwhile Tennessee had been reor- 
ganized and restored to the Union in 1866. 

A committee of fifteen members was appointed at 
the following meeting of congress to which all ques- 
tions were referred concerning the reorganization of the 
Southern states. In accordance with measures re- 
ported by this committee Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, 
Florida, Lousiana, North Carolina and South Carolina 
were reconstructed and in June and July of 1868 re- 
admitted to the union. The civil rights bill in the 
meantime had been passed in congress. This gave all 
the rights and privileges of citizens to the freedmen of 
the South. It was passed over the veto of the president^ 
who was opposed to both bills. 

Then another difficulty arose which led to his im- 
peachnxent. He had notified Edwin M. Stanton, 
secretary of war, of his dismissal from office on 
February 3ist, 1868. This was believed by congress 
to be a usurpation of authority and a violation of law. 
Articles of impeachment were agreed to by the house 
of representatives on March 3rd and the president was 
summoned before the senate for trial, which was con- 



434 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

tinued for nearly two months and ended in acquittal. 
Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase of Ohio presided dur- 
ing the trial. 

The time for another election was at hand and 
General Ulysses S. Grant was nominated by the 
Republican party, and Horatio Seymour of New York 
by the Democrats. The canvass was an animated one. 
General Grant was elected by a large majority and 
Schuyler Colfax of Indiana vice-president. 



CHAPTER XLVni. 



grant's administration. 



THE eighteenth president was born in Ohio and 
at the age of seventeen entered West Point and 
was graduated in 1843. He served with dis- 
tinction during the Mexican war, but the capture of 
Forts Henry and Donelson won him a national repu- 
tation. In March, 1864, he was appointed lieutenant- 
general and commander-in-chief of the Union army. 

The Pacific railroad was the first great event in the 
new administration. Congress authorized the forma- 
tion of Wyoming territory and extended the laws of 
the United States to Alaska and formed that territoy 
into one district. The president was given power to 
regulate the importation of arms, ammunition and 
spirits into Alaska, and the secretary of the treasury 
to regulate the fur trade and seal hunting there. The 
secretary of state announced that the fourteenth 
amendment of the constitution had been accepted by 
three-fourths of the states and was therefore part of the 
constitution. Early in 1869 the fifteenth amendment 
was adopted by congress providing that the right of 
citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged on 
account of race, color or previous condition of servi- 
tude. This clause was proclaimed a part of the con- 
stitution on March 30th, 1870. In the first three 
months 01 the same year the completion of reorganiz- 
ing the remaining Southern states was announced. 



426 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

In this year the ninth census of the United States was 
taken. Though so many thousands of men had been 
swept from the earth by the long war, the ten years 
that had elapsed had been a period of success and 
great growth. The population was now thirty-eight 
million five hundred and eighty-seven souls. The 
national debt was decreasing very fast. The prod- 
ucts of the United States had grown tremendously. 
American manufactures were equalling those of 
Europe. There were thirty-eight states and eleven 
territories. 

The year of 1871 was noted for the burning of 
Chicago. The area destroyed was t^vo thousand one 
hundred acres. About two hundred lives were lost* 
In October there were very destructive fires in the 
north-west — Wisconsin, Central Minnesota and Michi- 
gan — towns, villages and forests all disappeared ; 
nothing but the naked earth was left. The eve of 
another election drew near. The president's adminis- 
tration had been criticised. , 

Reconstruction had been unfavorably received m the 
South. The fifteenth amendment was not at all liked 
in the South and all the bitterness of the long war 
was not subdued, and on these issues there was a divi- 
sion of the people in the election of 1872. The Re- 
publicans renominated General Grant for president 
and Henry Wilson of Massachusetts for vice-president. 
Horace Greeley was nominated by the Liberal Repub- 
licans and Democrats. He Avas a remarkable man, 
wise, just and good. He had been a leader of the 
people for thirty years as editor of the New York 
Tribune The canvass Avas one of the most exciting 



grant's administration. 427 

in our history. Mr. Greeley was overwhelmingly 
defeated, and according to nearly all political papers 
he who had been considered so wise before was now 
little better than a fool. It broke the old man's heart 
and he lived but thirty days afterward, and then every 
newspaper in the la7id lauded him to the skies. Such 
an uncertain thing is public opinion. 

Boston was nearly burned on the 9th of November. 
The burnt district was in the best part of the city and 
covered an area of sixty-five acres. Eight hundred 
buildings and property to the amount of eighty mill- 
ions was destroyed. Fifteen lives were lost. 

In the spring of 1873 the Modocs were to be re- 
moved to a new reservation. They, however, decided 
to stay where they were, and it took a small army to 
make them reconsider their determination and cost the 
lives of several noble white men and some bad Indians. 

In 1873 a difficulty arose in Louisiana which threat- 
ened the peace of the country and troops were twice 
despatched before everything became serene. 

The credit mobilier investigation by congress was 
a subject over which the country was much agitated. 
It was 2i gigantic steal which reflected small credit on 
certain members of congress. Others had been drawn 
into it without understanding the nature of the trans- 
actions. 

In the fall occurred one of the most disastrous finan- 
cial panics known in America. The failure of Jay 
Cooke & Company of Philadelphia was the first, and 
then bank after bank failed until it seemed as though 
the only comfortably happy people were those who 
i.ever had any money in any bank. 



428 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Many public men had fallen out of the ranks in 
the past few years — Edwin M. Stanton in December, 
1869 ; General Robert E. Lee (president of the Wash- 
ington and Lee university), 1870; and in the same 
year the two Union veterans General George H. 
Thomas and Admiral Farragut ; in 1872 William 
n. Seward, Professor Morse (the inventor of teleg- 
raphy), Horace Greeley and General Meade. On 
May 7th, 1873, Chief Justice Chase suffered a stroke of 
paralysis and passed on, and on the nth of March, 
1874, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts ; on 
the 31st of May, 1875, Andrew Jackson, ex-president 
of the United States ; on the 22d of November follow- 
ing Vice-President Henry Wilson. 

As the year 1876 approached the people were 
anxious to demonstrate the growth of the country and 
its marvellous resources. The city where freedom 
sprang into existence seemed the most "fitting one for 
many reasons, and in it was held the centennial of Amer- 
ica?i independence. In Fairmount park on the Schuylkill 
were erected beautiful buildings, and before the open- 
ing in May were filled with productions not only of 
America, but articles of art and beauty from almost 
every nation on the globe. The gate receipts 
amounted to more than three million seven hundred 
thousand dollars. » 

There was a war with the Sioux Indians the last 
year of Grant's administration. General Custer and 
all his command were destroyed and the battles were 
many after the loss of this brave general, but at length 
the savages were driven into the British territory, 
scornfully refusing all ofTers of peace. 



grant's administration. 



429 



About the ist of August, 1876, Colorado entered 
the union, the thirty-eighth member. The population 
numbered forty-five thousand. Until 1850 Colorado 
had been a part of Kansas. In that year a convention 
was held in Denver and a district terrritorial govern- 
ment was organized. 

The twenty-third presidential election was, as had 
been the previous one, a very exciting one. General 
Rutheford B. Hayes, of Ohio, was the choice of the 
Republican party and William A. Wheeler of New 
York vice-president. Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, 
and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, were the Demo- 
cratic nominees. The independent Greenback party 
nominated Peter Cooper of New York and Samuel F. 
Gary of Ohio. The canvass was spirited from the be- 
ginning and began early, too. Tne contest lay be- 
tween the Democrats and Republicans. The votes 
were counted and both parties claimed the victory. 
There were many reasons why the true vote could not 
be ascertained. There had been much irregularity in 
the elections in South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, 
and Oregon, and the power of congress over the 
electoral college was so ill-defined that no certain re- 
sult could be announced. For the first time in the 
history of over a hundred years there were two 
presidents elect. The Democrats were so firmly Or 
the opinion that Tilden was elected that they had re. 
joicings galore all over the land. But when congress 
convened in December the whole question came be- 
fore that body. After many debates it was agreed 
that the election returns should be decided by a joint 
liiiSh couimission consistinsf of five members chosen 



43^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

from the senate, five from the house of representatives 
and five from the supreme court. The commission was 
constituted, the returns of the disputed states referred 
to the tribunal and the Republican candidates were 
declared elected. One hundred and Jive electoral 
votes were cast for Hayes 'and Wheeler and one hu?i- 
dred and four for Tilden and Hendricks. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

HAYES' ADMINISTRATION. 

THE nineteenth president was born in Delaware, 
Ohio, October 4th, 1822. His ancestors were 
revolutionary soldiers. He graduated from 
Kenyon college when twenty years of age. His legal 
studies were completed in 1845 ^^^^ he began the 
practice ot his profession first at Marietta, then at 
Fremont and later at Cincinnati as city solicitor. He 
arose to the distinction of major-general during the 
war and while still in the army was elected to con- 
gress in 1864. In 1867 he was elected governor of 
Ohio and was re-elected the following: term and also 
in 1875. '^^^ policy of his administration was shown 
in his inaugural address. The conciliatory as well as 
patriotic sentiment had a peaceful effect on the bitter 
and almost turbulent spirit of partisanship which had 
so disturbed the country. The 8th of March the 
cabinet was formed — William M. Evarts of New 
York secretary of state, John Sherman of Ohio secre- 
tary of the treasury, George W. McCrary of Iowa 
secretary of war, Richard W. Thompson of Indiana 
secretary of the navy, Carl Schurz of Missouri secretary 
of the interior, David M. Key of Tennessee postmaster- 
general, Charles Devens of Massachusetts attorney- 
general. The nominations were duly ratified and the 
new administration commenced its duties. 

In the summer of 1877 occurred the great railroad 



432 FOUR HUND11P:D years ok AMERICA. 

strike. The managers of the leading raih^oads from 
coast to coast had declared a reduction of wages and 
this measure was violently resisted by the employes 
on the railroads. The men gathered their forces 
together at Baltimore and Martinsburg, West 
Virginia, so as to stop the passage of trains 
and defy officials. The militia was called out by 
Governor Matthews and sent to Martinsburg, but 
^were soon sent home again by the strikers. Then the 
regulars came and the blockade was removed. But 
at Baltimore there was a terrible tumult and some 
shedding of blood. The strike became epidemic. 
Trains were stopped everywhere, business was de- 
stroyed. Pittsburgh was under mob law ruled by 
twenty thousand dangerous men. The union depot, 
all the machine shops and railroad buildings were 
-destroyed. A hundred and twenty- five locomotives 
and two thousand five hundred cars laden with all 
Tcinds of valuable products were also destroyed. A 
riot similar, but not as large, occurred in Chicago, and 
the next was at St. Louis, and then San Francisco, Cin- 
cinnati, Columbus, Louisville, Indianapolis and Fort 
Wayne were in dread and danger, but escaped serious 
havoc. 

The Nez Perces Indians of Idaho commenced 
depredations in 1877. A treaty hnd been made with 
them m 1S06, and all had been peace with them until 
now. General Howard commanded the campaign 
and was exceedingly successful. 

The first business telephone was put in operation in 
Boston this year. It was from the house of Charles 
Williams in Somerville to his business office, three 



HAVES AUMlNISTJiA riON. 433 

miles away. The instrument attached was patented 
by Alexander Graham Bell of Boston. 

In the fall of 1877 the nation mourned the death of 
Oliver P. Morton of Indiana, a leader in the affairs of 
the nation. He was only fifty-four and died of paral- 
ysis. 

The resumption of specie payments by the United 
States government was commenced January ist, 1874. 
Only $11,000,000 in greenbacks were presented for 
redemption that day, though it was known that 
the treasury contained $138,000,000, mostly in gold 
coin, and when the people knew they could get gold 
for their greenbacks they did not want it — paper was 
^o much more convenient. 

A disastrous fire occurred in the town of Reno, 
Nevada, consuming a million dollars worth of prop- 
erty. On the 30th of May a tornado in parts of Mis- 
souri, Kansas and Nebraska did vast damage. The 
water was scooped from rivers and wells. The lives 
of more than forty persons were lost, and the injured 
were twice as many. 



CHAPTER L. 

GARFIELD AND ARTHUR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

AT the presidential election of 1880 James A. 
Garfield was nominated by the Republican 
party, with Chester A. Arthur of New York 
as vice-prtsident. General Winfield Scott Hancock 
and William H. English of Indiana were the Demo- 
cratic nominees, Samuel Tilden declining to run. The 
electoral vote stood two hundred and fourteen for 
Garfield, and one hundred and fifty-five for Hancock . 
James A. Garfield, the twentieth president, was born 
November 19th, 1S31, in Orange Woods, Cuyahoga 
county, Ohio. His parents were of New England 
ancestry and came from families well known in the 
early 4iistory of our country. They had moved to the 
Western Reserve in Ohio about the time it was 
opened. 

Like many of our western presidents, his early 
education was limited. He was a graduate from Wil- 
liams college in 1856, and was elected to the Ohio 
senate in 1859. When volunteers were called for he 
enlisted and received his commission as lieutenant- 
celonel of the forty-second Ohio volunteers. He 
showed so much ability in the management of his 
forces in driving Humphrey Marshall out of Ken- 
tucky, that President Lincoln commissioned him 
bngadier-general. As two years previous he had 
been the youngest man in the senate, so he was now 



GARFIELD AND ARTHUR ADMINISTRATIONS. 435 

the youngest general in the army. At Chickamauga 
he won the stars of major-general. 

He was elected to congress in 1S63. It was a 
struggle for him to resign his position in the army. 
At the time he entered congress he was the youngest 
member. In January, iSSo, General Garfield was 
elected to the United States senate. He was elected 
president in November of the same year, and inaugu- 
rated in March, iSSi, and murdered while in the 
depot at Washington, July ist, on his way to Wil- 
liams college to meet his old friends. A cowardly 
assassin stepped behind him, put a revolver at his 
back and fired it. For eighty long, hot days he 
suffered. Death mercifully released him September 
19th. The universal sorrow for this brilliant man, cut 
down when he had reached the highest office it was 
in the powder of his country to bestow, w as deep and 
more widespread than that of Lincoln ; for peace had 
so long reigned that the bitter spiiit which was felt 
soon after the war had passed away and the people of 
the South mingled their tears and prayers wath those 
of the people of the North. Again a murdered presi- 
dent lay on a magnificent catafalque, whose base was 
a inass of floral offerings, and again the people came 
to gaze on the majesty of death. Again a long train 
of cars heavily draped bore a slain president on his 
last journey. Again were cities on the route draped 
in mourning and all along the route solemn dirges 
voiced the people's sorrow. They laid him to rest in 
the beautiful Lake View cemetery of Cleveland, Ohio. 

Chester A. Arthur, vice-president of the United 
States, took the presidential oath on the nigfht of 



43^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

Garfield's death, first in the city of New York and on 
the 2ist of September in the presence of the judges of 
the supreme court in the capital. He wab the twenty- 
first president. lie was born in Franklin county, 
Vermont, on the 5 th of October, 1830. He was 
educated at Union college, Schenectady. General 
Arthur was a delegate to the convention at Saratoga 
that founded the Republican party. Belore the war 
he was judge-advocate of the second brigade of the 
state militia of New York, and Governor Morgan of 
that state appointed him engineer-in-chief of his staff, 
in 1 86 1 he became inspector-general and soon after- 
wards quartermaster-general, and it is said that in 
each of these offices he rendered srreat service durinsr 
the war. He was appointed collector of the port of 
New York by President Grant. 

Guiteau, the murderer of President Garfield, was 
arraigned in Washington. His trial lasted tt n weeks. 
He was sentenced to be hanged and the sentence 
executed the 30th of June, 1S82. 

The town of New Ulm in Minnesota was struck by 
a cyclone on the i8th of July rnd more than a hundred 
houses demolished and thirty persons killed or serious- 
ly injured. Early in September serious forest fires be- 
gan in eastern IMichigan, spreading over Huron, 
Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Three hundred persons 
were burned to death and a vast amount of property 
was destroyed. The star route trials occurred this year — 
one of the most noted and political and criminal 
events in the history of the United State After a 
six months' trial in court, and the whole prooccution 
lasting eighteen months, the jury acquitted Brady 



GARFIELD AND ARTHUR ADMINISTRATIONS. 437 

and the Dorseys, to the amazement of all intelligent 
readers of the daily papers. In this year ( 1S82) a law 
was passed excluding newly immigrated Chinese labor- 
ers from the United States, and requiring those already 
here to take out certificates in order, if they left the 
United States, to prove their identity when they re- 
turned. A strong law of this kind was enacted in 
1879, but President Hayes vetoed it. Congress also 
passed the most effective anti-polygamy laws re- 
corded on the statute books. It disenfranchised and 
rendered ineligible to office all polygamists. Senator 
Edmunds was the originator of the bill and it was 
named for him. Jn March of this year there was a 
tremendous overflow of the Mississippi. According 
to a report made to the secretary of war, eighty-five 
thousand persons were rendered destitute by the floods^ 
The 18th of June was marked^ by a cyclone passing 
over the town of Grinnell, Iowa, and destroying half 
the town and killing more than one hundred persons. 
The year 1883 was marked by the opening of the East 
river bridge connecting Brooklyn with New York 
on the 34th of May. It is about six thousand feet long, 
including the approaches, and in summer the highest 
point of the arch is one hundred and thirty-five feet 
above the river. The stone towers on either side are two 
hundred and seventy-six feet and nine inches high, 
and the mass of masonry in which the wires are 
fastened stretches back nine hundred and thirty feet 
from the water. This bridge was designed by John 
A. Roebling, of Trenton, New Jersey, builder of the 
first suspension bridge at Niagara and many others. 
It is said that his wife assisted him greatly in his 



43S FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA 

plans and understood so thoroughly the work that 
she was enabled to carry on the work after his death, 
which occurred in 1869 from lockjaw. 

The rate of postage for letters in America was re- 
duced to two cents, and the transmission of money by 
postal note began in September. Congress reduced 
the tariff and removed nearly all of the remaining 
internal revenue tax. The Northern Pacific railroad 
was finished on August 23nd. The survivors of the 
Greely party were brought from the Arctic region? by 
a special relief expedition under Commodore Schley 
of the United States navy. In the summer of 18S1 
Lieutenant A. W. Greely, commanding a party of 
soldiers, was sent to Fort Conger, Lady Franklin bay, 
by the signal service of the United States. There were 
about a dozen such expeditions sent out at various 
circumpolar stations established by several countries 
for scientific observation for a year or two. Great 
difficulty was experienced in getting supplies to this 
expedition. The steam wheeler Proteics^ under com- 
mand of Lieutenant E. A. Garlington was crushed in 
the ice and sank, the commander and crew barely 
escaping with their lives and suffering greatly 
before they reached the companion ship Ta7itick^ 
which had been left at Upernavik. Commo 
dore Schley found Greely and six companions 
alive. Two died on the homeward voyage. Eighteen 
were already dead. 

In the presidential campaign of 1884 James G. 
Blaine, of Maine, and John A. Logan, of Illinois, were 
the candidates of the Republican party. Grover 
Cleveland and Thomas A. Hendricks of Indiana were 



GARFIELD AND ARTHUR ADMINISTRATIONS. 439 

the Democratic nominees. The Southern issue was 
entirely ignored by the Republicans, who staked their 
all on the tariff. The election, however, was very 
close. Enough Republicans in New York state 
voted for Cleveland to give the balance in his favor. 
Out of 07ie' niillioit one hundred thousand woi^xs in 
New York Cleveland's plurality was one thousand and 
forty-seven. But as the election depended upon New 
York Cleveland was elected. He received the support 
of every Southern state, besides New York, Connecti- 
cut, New Jersey and Indiana. The electoral vote for 
Cleveland was two hundred and nineteen ; for Blaine 
one hundred and eighty-two. 



CHAPTER LI. 

Cleveland's administration. 

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND was born 
in the little town of Caldwell, Essex counlw 
New Jersey, in 1837. ^^® father was a Presb) - 
terian minister, who when Grover was three years old 
moved to Fayetteville on the Hudson river and Eric 
canal. Here he went to the village school for a time, 
afterwards going to the academy at Clinton. He 
studied law in the office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers 
of Buffalo. He was elected mayor of that city in 
1881 and governor of New York in 1882. He was 
nominated for president July nth, 1884, in the Demo- 
cratic convention at Chicago. 

On the 4th of March, 1881^, he took the oath of 
office and commenced his administration by appoint- 
ing the following cabinet : Thomas F. Bayard, secre- 
tary of state ; Daniel Manning, secretary of the treas- 
ury ; secretary of war, William C. Endicott ; secretary 
of the navy, William C. Whitney ; secretary of the 
interior, L. Q. C. Lamar ; postmaster-general, Wil- 
liam F. Vilas ; attorney-general, A. H. Garland. 

At New Orleans in December, 1884, was opened a 
World's Fair which continued about six months. It 
was not so well attended as the centennial, and the 
exhibits were not equal to those of 1876. The main 
building was the largest of its kind ever built. Mex- 
ico, Central and South America sent many beautiful 



Cleveland's administration. 441 

exhibits. The machinery was set in motion by the 
president in Washington. 

Among the prominent men who laid off their cares 
this year were ex-President and General Grant, who 
died July 23rd; Vice-President Hendricks, November 
26th; William H. Vanderbilt (the Rothschild of 
America), December 8th. 

Natural gas came into extensive use in Pennsyl- 
vania. In some other states ii was searched for and 
now most of the wells are exhausted. The wells in 
Mercer county, Ohio, and those in central Indiana arc 
still furnishing fuel to countless families, but from the 
experiences in Pennsylvania it is not to be relietl 
upon as the fuel of the future. In August a West 
India hurricane visited Savannah and Charleston, 
destroying property worth $500,000 near the former 
and $1,500,000 in the latter. In 1886 occurred labor 
troubles which were more formidable in many respects 
than those of previous years. An organization of 
workingmen called the Knights of Labor was organ- 
ized and very serious damage was done to the manu- 
facturers by these Knights. 

In this year France presented America with a mag- 
nificent statue, "''Liberty Enlightening the World!''* 
It stands on a small island in the harbor of New York, 
but its grandeur is half destroyed by the low position. 
Could it be set on an eminence with only the sky 
behind it, the magnificent proportions would be appre- 
ciated. The heigth of the woman's figure is one 
hundred and fifty-one feet ; the heigth of the pedestal 
is one hundred and fifty-four feet; and yet in ap- 
proaching the harbor it has the appearance of stand- 



442 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

ing too low. Auguste Bartholdi, the famous sculptor, 
was the designer. 

Henry Ward Beecher, the world-famous preacher, 
minister of Plymouth church, Brooklyn, died March 
8th at his home in Brooklyn. Lieutenant A. W. 
Greely, who commanded one of the circumpolar 
scientific expeditions in 1S81-83, was made brigadier- 
general and chief signal officer in February, and 
placed at the head of the government signal service, 
previously under command of Albert J. Myer and 
William B. Hazen. 

Two centennials fell within Cleveland's term of 
office. The first was September 15th, 1887, in com- 
memoration of the adoption of the United States con- 
stitution. This was celebrated in Philadelphia. The 
second centennial cominemorated the settlement of 
the Ohio valley. This was first celebrated at Marietta, 
the oldest town in the state, and afterward at Cleve- 
land, Columbus, Cincinnati and other cities. The 
celebration in Cincinnati was during the time of the 
Cincinnati exposition. There a long hall was filled 
with articles that had been brought into the country 
at the settlement. Even a hundred-year-old house 
was taken to pieces and transported to the exposition 
and put together again. It was furnished as it had 
been originally and its principal ornament was the 
musket hung over the high fire-place. There were 
"silken gowns and satin shoon" that had been worn 
by gay belles in the time of Washington. 

Again the time for the presidential election was at 
hand. Harrison was the choice of the Republicans 
and of the people. Cleveland was his opponent. 




CHAPTER LII. 

Harrison's administration. 

ARRISON was the twenty-third president of 
the United States. His grandfather, William 
Henry Harrison, had been the ninth. He 
came of a long line of distinguished people. The 
head of the family was a Major-General Harrison, one 
of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers, and at the 
height ox Cromwell's power it became the duty of 
Harrison to participate in the trial of Charles I and to 
sign his death warrant. But for this he paid with his 
life when Charles II came into power. His de- 
scendants came to America. And the next mention of 
the family is of Benjamin Harrison of Virginia (the 
great-grandfather of the twenty-third president), who 
was a member of the continental congress and one of 
the signers of the original constitution, and three times 
elected governor of Virginia. 

President Harrison was born at North Bend, Hamil- 
ton county, Ohio, August 30th, 1853. He graduated 
from the Miami university at Oxford, Ohio, and went 
immediately to Cincinnati and began the study of law, 
which he continued for two years. In 1S60 he was 
nominated for the position of supreme court reporter 
and then his influence as a stump speaker drew at- 
tention to him and he was elected by a handsome 
majority. In 1S63 he raised the seventeenth Indiana 
infantry and was chosen colonel. This regiment was 



444 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

composed of the rawest material and the colonel spent 
many weary hours teaching the "awkward brigade," 
and when he came to move towards the east with 
Sherman his regiment was one of the best drilled and 
organized in the army. His office was left vacant and 
another appointed to fill the vacancy. During the 
engagemen at Resaca he distinguished himself and 
for bravery at Peach creek he was made brigadier- 
general. From 1863 to 1864 he had no leave of absence, 
but having received the nomination for the same office 
in 1864 he got leave of absence for a month, came 
home and stumped the state and was re-elected. On 
his way back to the seat of war he was stricken with 
scarlet fever and was not again able to take part until 
the very close of the war. Afterward he filled the 
office to which he had been elected and still later was 
elected governor of Indiana. 

On March 4th, 1S89, he took the oath of office stand- 
ing on the portico of the capitol. There was a terrific 
ram storm, but as the grounds were filled with people 
anxious to hear him take the oath he did so, though 
the rain was blinding. He appointed James G. Blaine 
secretary of state ; William Windom, secretary of the 
treasury ; Redfield Proctor, secretary of war ; W. H. H. 
Miller, attorney general ; John Wannamaker, p st- 
master-general ; Benjamin F. Tracy, secretary of the 
navy; John W. Noble, secretary of the interior; 
Jeremiah M. Rusk, secretary of agriculture. 

Immediately after Harrison's inauguration he an- 
nounced that the lands of Oklahoma would be opened 
at noon of April 33nd. Then began the mad rush for 
that region.. Probably every state contributed its 



Harrison's administration. 445 

quota, for on opening day there was a throng laVge 
enough to make two cities in one day — Guthrie and 
Oklahoma City. The territory was organized in May, 
1890. Guthrie was made the capital. Six states were 
annexed to the union in two years — Washington, 
Montana, North and South Dakota were admitted in 
1689, and Idaho and Wyoming in 1890. In Wyoming 
women vote on the same conditions as men, and so 
far the elections have been carried on for the good of 
tJie state and not for political power. Idaho does not 
allow Mormons to vote or hold public office. 

The centennial at New York was held April 29th 
and May ist. It was a hundred years since Washing- 
ton had been inaugurated as first president of the 
federal republic. Three days were devoted to a 
grand celebration inthe city and harbor of New York. 
^'President Harrison and his family were received by 
a guard of honor upon a barge of state at the point of 
the New Jersey coast where Washington embarked 
for New York in 1789." A grand naval review was 
held April 29th. Every ship in the harbor was gay 
with flags and pennons. Never before in this country 
had there been so beautiful a sight in any harbor. 
The next day there was a service at St. Paul's church, 
near where Washington had taken his official oath, 
followed by an oration and other appropriate exercises ; 
then came a grand military parade and review. The 
first day of May was devoted to an interesting display 
of the improved industries of the country and a civic 
celebration. 

It was but a month later when the great dam at 
Connemaugh lake gave way and the valley was 



446 FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

flooded. In some places the very earth was carried 
away. Johnstown, a city of twenty-five thousand 
inhabitants, was in the way of this torrent and the 
tremendous current ctit for itself a path half a mile 
wide through the heart of the town. No pen has 
ever adequately described it. No tongue can tell the 
horrors. Whole families perished, and it was months 
before the drowned could be given the burial due to 
all creatures. 

Two very important congresses met at Washington 
in the fall of 18S9. One was the international mari- 
time council, comprising delegates from twenty-six 
nations, called to decide upon a code of signals to be 
used at sea, the paths of ocean steamers, etc. Of still 
greater importance was the Pan-American conference, 
the object of this conference being to promote com- 
mercial intercourse among the countries of North and 
South America through a better understanding of 
each other's resources. 

The fifty-first congress met December 2nd, 1889. 
The first important debate was on a new code of rules, 
designed to prevent the wilful obstruction of public 
business (the country having suffered so much from 
strikes in the past few years). Before this members 
who did not vote upon the question before the house 
had been considered as absent, and so in a full house 
it was often impossible to obtain a quorum for the 
transaction of business. Speaker Reed, of Maine, 
ruled in this session that all members present, w^hether 
voting or not, should be included in counting for a 
quorum : and after an exceedingly hot debate he was 
sustained by a large vote. 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 44^ 

A new tariff known as the McKinley bill passed 
both houses in September and became a law October 
ist, 1S90. It admitted foreign sugar free of duty, but 
increased the rates on many other articles. Treaties, 
however, were afterwards made with Brazil and other 
South and Central American countries providing for a 
free interchacge of food and other products with the 
United States. 

An international copyright law ivas passed after 
sixty years, giving copyright protection to foreign 
authors of such nations as grant corresponding pro- 
tection to American authors. 

The pension list was extended to all men who after 
honorable service in the war should become incapable 
of support, whether injured while in service or not. 

Another notable act of the fifty-first congress which 
decided a question that had been discussed for many 
years was that federal funds, shall not be used in aid 
of common school education in the United States. 
But it was resolved to distribute ten millions of dol- 
lars during the next ten years for the better support of 
agricultural colleges and mechanical arts. Congress 
voted aid to a World's Columbian Exposition, to be 
held at Chicago, celebrating the four hundred and 
first anniversary of the discovery of America by 
Christopher Columbus. 

Another presidential election was approaching. 
The Republicans renominated Benjamin Harrison for 
president and Whitelaw Reid for vice-president. The 
Democratic convention nominated Grover Cleveland 
for president and Adlai Stevenson for vice-president. 
The latter ticket was elected by the largest majority 



44^ FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 

that has ever been received by a Democratic president. 
During the wnnter of 1890-91, Mrs. Harrison 
suffered severely from "La Grippe." This v^as fol- 
lowed by bronchitis, w^hich lasted several weeks, but 
seemed to leave no bad effects. In January, 1892, 
Mrs. Harrison again contracted a severe cold, though 
not sufficient to confine her to her room for any length 
of time; but in March came another attack of "La 
Grippe," followed by catarrhal pneumonia, but no 
alarm was felt by those near to her. After recovering 
from the pneumonia her cough grew w^orse and there 
was a hemorrhage which was the first danger signal. 
Everything that medical science knew was done to 
- rolong her life, but she gradually sank and died 
October 25th in the White House. The president 
lOok no part in the campaign. He sat by the bedside 
of the woman he had loved from girlhood, for he be- 
caine engaged to her while attending the college over 
which her father, Dr. Scott, presided. She was a 
beautiful woman, of rare attainments, and possessing 
marvellous taste. Many sorro\vs had come to the 
president's family during the occupancy of the White 
House. Mrs. Harrison's sister, Mrs. Scott Lord, died 
in December, 1889. The loss of Secretary Blaine's 
two children, Mrs. Coppinger and Mr. Walker Blaine^ 
within a fortnight of each other was deeply felt by 
the president's family. The tragic death of Mr. Tracy 
and his daughter at the same time and the next wmter 
the sudden death of Secretary Windom, in each 
instance occurring during the social season, has made 
tlid administration the most sad of anv recorded. 



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CHAPTER LIII. 

COLUMBIAN DAYS, 

FOR three days New York city was in gala dress 
all day and far into the night. Music was 
heard. The parade was immense. Children 
marched like veterans, and the Indian school children 
of Carlisle^ Pennsylvania, outdistanced the pale-faces. 
They marched in a solid line and moved with a rythm 
surpassing all that preceded and all that followed. 
They were sturdy fellows, led by a band of their own 
school children, and followed by a hundred Indian 
maidens dressed like the boys in blue. 

In Union Square two thousand girls belonging to 
Catholic churches, dressed in national colors, sat on a 
stand and sang national airs. To attempt to describe 
all that went on in these three days would take more 
space than w^e are allowed. 

Tuesday was naval parade and the harbor was 
crowded as it never had been before. Ocean grey- 
hounds, immense steamers, ships of all kinds dotted — 
nay, crowded— the harbor. The sight was of the 
gayest; no craft so small that it did not carry pennons 
and streamers and flags. 

There was a grand parade and review of the ninth 
regiment on Fourteenth street and Union Square. 
But the parade of school boys, twenty-five thousand 
in line, marching in almost perfect order, eclipsed 
even the famous ninth. At night the scene about 
Madison Square and Fifth avenue was one never to be 



450 



FOLK HUNDRED YEARS OF AMERICA. 



forg"Otten bv eye witnesses, so magnificent was the 
pageant of floats, the electric one dazzling the eyes of 
all beholders. 

Columbian day at Chicago was observed by the 
opening of the most magnificent World's Fair build- 
ings ever presented to a people. To say there were a 
hundred thousand visitors would naturally make one 
think of a throng ; but in the vast main building it 
was still almost em.pty enough to awe one. The 
parade was magnificent. General Miles and staff 
rode at the head of the military procession. The 
Connecticut military guards were especially admired 
for their perfect drill. The foreign diplomats in the 
military parade was one of the especial features. 
Vice-President Morton dedicated the fair to the 
nations, the president being at the bedside of his 
dying wife. No words of mine could do justice to 
the scene — the grand expanse of blue lake in the fore- 
ground, the giant oaks that seemed a forest were it 
not for the broad boulevards and the throng. Is there 
anything that stirs the heart like the sight of the 
national colors, and the ears like national odes? 

And here honor was accorded the women, to whose 
good taste much of the beauty was due. Mrs. John 
A. Logan, lady manager for the District of Columbia ; 
Mrs. Potter Palmer, president of the- board of lady 
managers, and Lady Somerset are included in the 
official photographs. The reviewing stand from 
which Vice-President Morton reviewed the civic pa- 
rade was in front of the postoffice. The dedicatory 
services were in the manufacturers' building, exquis- 
itely decorated for the occasion. 



The National Platforms 



OF ALL 



Political Pafties from Commencement of ttie Government. 



The history of a nation is largely a history of politics, 
and a history of politics in a country like this is largely a 
history of parties, and a history of parties is incomplete 
without a history of the platforms of those parties. 

In fact, the platforms of the political parties in the 
United States give the most perfect record of the progress 
of political thought of any history that could be written, 
and no history is really a complete record of the progress 
of the country without this important feature. 

We therefore give in the following pages the platforms 
of the political parties from the time that platforms were 
first promulgated to the date of this volume. 

1832. 

No regular national nominating conventions were held 
till the campaign of 1832, when there were two, the Demo- 
cratic and National Republican. Neither of these conven- 
tions adopted any platform, but at a ratification meeting 
held in Washington, May 11th, the Democrats adopted the 
following: 

Democratic Party. 

Resolved, That an adequate protection to American in- 
dustry is indispensable to the prosperity of the country; 
and that an abandonment of the policy at this period would 
be attended with consequences ruinous to the best interests 
of the nation. 



452 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

Resolved, That a uniform system of internal improve- 
ments, sustained and supported by the general govern- 
ment, is calculated to secure, in the highest degree, the 
harmony, the strength and permanency of the republic. 

Resolved, That the indiscriminate removal of public 
officers for a mere difference of political opinion is a gross 
abuse of power; and that the doctrine lately boldly 
preached in the United States senate, that " to the victors 
belong the spoils of the vanquished," is detrimental to the 
interests, corrupting to the morals and dangerous to the 
liberties of the country. 

1836, 

National Republican or Whig Party. 

Held no national convention, but at a State convention in 
Albany, N. Y., February, ]836, adopted the following: 

Resolved, That in support of our cause we invite all citi- 
zens opposed to Martin Van Buren and the Baltimore 
nominees. 

Resolved, That Martin Van Buren, by intriguing with 
the executive to obtain his influence to elect him to the 
presidency, has set an example dangerous to our freedom 
and corrupting to our free institutions. 

Resolved, That the support we render to William H. Har- 
rison is by no means given to him solely on account of his 
brilliant and successful services as leader of our armies 
during the last war, but that in him we view also the man 
of high intellect, the stern patriot, uncontaminated by the 
machinery of hackneyed politicians — a man of the school 
of Washington. 

Resolved, That in Francis Granger we recognize one of 
our most distinguished fellow citizens, whose talents we 
admire, whose patriotism we trust, and whose principles 
we sanction. 

Democratic Party. 

Held a national convention, but adopted no platform. 
The following was adopted in January, 1836, by the New 
York Democrats : 

We hold these truths to be self-evident : that all men are 
created free and equal; that they are endowed by their 
Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are 
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that the true 
foundation of Republican government is the equal rights 



WHIG AND DEMOCRATIC, 1S4O. 453 

of every citizen in his person and property, and in their 
management; that the idea is quite unfounded that on 
entering into society we give up our natural right; that 
the rightful power of all legislation is to declare and en- 
force only our natural rights and duties, and to take none 
of them from us; that no man has the natural right to com- 
mit aggressions on the equal rights of another, and this is 
all from which the law ought to restrain him; that every 
man is under the natural duty of contributing to the 
necessities of society, and this is all the law should enforce 
on him ; that when the laws have declared and enforced all 
this they have fulfilled their functions. 

We declare unqualified hostility to bank notes and paper 
money as a circulating medium, because gold and silver is 
the only safe and constitutional currency; hostility to any 
and all monopolies by legislation, because they are viola- 
tions of equal rights of the people; hostility to the danger- 
ous and unconstitutional creation of vested rights or pre- 
rogatives by legislation, because they are usurpations 
of the people's sovereign rights ; no legislative or other 
authority in the body politic can rightfully, by charter or 
otherwise, exempt any man or body of men, in any case 
whatever, for trial by jury and the jurisdiction or opera- 
tion of the laws which govern the community. 

We hold that each and every law or act of incorporation 
passed by preceding legislatures can be rightfully altered 
and repealed by their successors; and that they should be 
altered or repealed when necessary for the public good, or 
when required by a majority of the people. 

I840. 

Whig Party. 

Adopted no platform. 

Democratic Party. 

i Resolved, That the federal government is one of limited 
powers, derived solely from the constitution, and the grants 
of power shown therein ought to be strictly construed by 
all the deparments and agents of the government, and that 
it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubtful con- 
stitutional powers. 

2. Resolved, That the constitution does not confer upon 
the general government the power to commence and carry 
on a general system of internal improvements. 

8. Resolved, That the constitution does not confer author- 



454 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



ity upon the federal government, directly or indirectly, to 
assume the debts of the several States, contracted for local 
internal improvements or other State purposes; nor would 
such assumption be just or expedient. 

4. Resolved, That justice and sound policy forbid the 
federal government to foster one branch of industry to the 
detriment of another, or to cherish the interests of one 
portion to the injury of another portion of our common 
country ; that every citizen and every section of the country 
has a right to demand and insist upon an equality of rights 
and privileges, and to complete and ample protection of 
persons and property from domestic violence or foreign 
aggression. 

5. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the 
government to enforce and practice the most rigid economy 
in conducting our public affairs, and that no more revenue 
ought to be raised than is required to defray the necessary 
expenses of the government. 

6. Resolved, That congress has no power to charter a 
United States bank; that we believe such an institution one 
of deadly hostility to the best interests of the country, 
dangerous to our Republican institutions and the liberties 
of the people, and calculated to place the business of the 
country within the control of a concentrated money power 
and above the laws and the will of the people. 

7. Resolved, That congress has no power under the con- 
stitution to interfere w4th or control the domestic institu- 
tions of the several States; and that such States are the sole 
and proper judges of everything pertaining to their own 
affairs, not prohibited by the constitution; that all efforts 
by Abolitionists, or others, made to induce congress to in- 
terfere with questions of slavery or to take incipient steps 
in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarm- 
ing and dangerous consequences, and that all such eft'orts 
have an inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness of the 
people and endanger the stability and permanence of the 
Union, and ought not to be countenanced by any friend to 
our political institutions. 

8. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the 
government from banking institutions is indispensable for 
the safety of the funds of the government and the rights of 
the people. 

9. Resolved, That the liberal principles embodied by 
Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, and sanc- 
tioned in the constitution, which makes ours the land of 
liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation 
have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith; 



LIBERTY, 1S4O, AND DEMOCRATIC 1844. 4=55 

and every attempt to abridge the present privilege of be- 
coming citizens and the owners of soil among us ought to 
be resisted with the same spirit which swept the alien and 
sedition laws from our statute book. 

Whereas, Several of the States which have nominated 
Martin Van Buren as a candidate for the presidency have 
put in nomination different individuals as candidates for 
vice-president, thus indicating a diversity of opinion as to 
the person best entitled to the nomination ; and, whereas, 
some of the said States are not represented in this conven- 
tion; therefore, 

Kesolved, That the convention deem it expedient at the 
present time not to choose between the individuals in 
nomination, but to leave the decision to their Republican 
fellow-citizens in the several States, trusting that before 
the election shall take place their opijiions will become so 
concentrated as to secure the choice ©"f a vice-president by 
the electoral college. 

Liberty Party. 

Resolved, That, in our judgment, every consideration of 
duty and expediency which ought to control the action of 
Christian freemen requires of the Abolitionists of the 
United States to organize a distinct and independent politi- 
cal party, embracing all the necessary means for nominat- 
ing candidates for office and sustaining them by public 
suffrage. 



•O' 



1844. 

Democratic Party. 

Resolutions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the platform of 
1840 were [reaffirmed, to which were added the following : 

10. Resolved, That the proceeds of the public lands 
ought to be sacredly applied to the national objects speci- 
fied in the constitution, and that we are opposed to the 
laws lately adopted, and to any law for the distribution of 
such proceeds among the States, as alike inexpedient in 
policy and repugnant to the constitution. ' 

11. Resolved, That we are decidedly opposed to taking 
from the president the qualifled veto power by which he is 
enabled, under restrictions and responsibilities amply suffi- 
cient to guard the public interest, to suspend the passage of 
a bill whose merits cannot secure the approval of two- 
thirds of the senate and house of representatives, until 
the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and 



456 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



which has thrice saved the American people from the cor- 
rupt and tyrannical domination of the bank of tbe United 
States. 

12. Resolved, That our title to the whole of the territory 
of Oregon is clear and unquestionable; that no portion of 
the same ought to be ceded to England or any other power, 
and that the reoccupation of Oregon and the reannexation 
of Texas at the earliest practicable period are great 
American measures, w^hich this convention recommends to 
the cordial support of the Democracy of the Union. 

Whig Party. 

1. Resolved, That these principles may be summed as 
compromising a well-regulated national currency; a tariff 
for revenue to defray the necessary expenses of the gov- 
ernment, and discriminating with special reference to the 
protection of the domestic labor of the country; the dis- 
tribution of the proceeds from the sales of the public 
lands; a single term for the presidency; a reform of ex- 
ecutive usurpations; and generally such an administration 
of the affairs of the country as shall impart to every 
branch of the public service the greatest practical effi- 
ciency, controlled by a well regulated and wise economy. 

Liberty Party. 

1. Resolved, That human brotherhood is a cardinal prin- 
ciple of true democracy, as well as of pure Christianity, 
which spurns all inconsistent limitations; and neither the 
political party which repudiates it, nor the political system 
which is not based upon it, can be truly democratic or per- 
manent. 

2. Resolved, That the Liberty party, placing itself upon 
this broad principle, will demand the absolute and unquali- 
lied divorce of tl^e general government from slavery, and 
also the restoration of equality of rights among men, in 
every State where the party exists, or may exist. 

3. Resolved, that the Liberty party has not been organ- 
ized for any temporary purpose by interested politicians, 
but has arisen from among the people in consequence of a 
conviction, hourly gaining ground, that no other party in 
the country represents the true principles of American 
liberty, or the true spirit of the constitution of the United 
States. 

4. Resolved, That the Liberty party has not been organ- 
ized merely for the overthrow of slavery; its first decided 
effort must, indeed, be directed against slaveholding as the 



LIBERTY, 1844. 457 

grossefit and most revoltino- manifestation of despotism, 
but it will also carry out the principle of equal rights into 
all its practical consequences and applications, and support 
every just measure conducive to individual and social free- 
dom. 

5. Resolved, That the Liberty party is not a sectional 
party, but a national party; was not originated in a desire 
to accomplish a single object, but in a comprehensive regard 
to the great interests of the whole country ; is not a new 
party, nor a third party, but it is the party of 1776, reviving 
the principles of that memorable era, and striving to carry 
them into practical application. 

6. Resolved, That it was understood in the times of the 
Declaration and the constitution, that the existence of 
slavery in some of the States was in derogation of the 
principles of American liberty, and a deep stain upon the 
character of the country, and in the implied faith of the 
States and the nation was pledged that slavery should 
never be extended beyond its then existing limits, but 
s-hould be gradually, and yet, at no distant day, wholly 
abolished by State authority. 

7. Resolved, That the faith of the States and the nation 
thus pledged was most nobly redeemed by the voluntary 
abolition of slavery in several of the States ; and by the 
adoption of the ordinance of 1787, for the government of 
the territory north-west of the river Ohio, then the only 
territory in the United States, and consequently the only 
territory subject in this respect to the control of congress, 
by which ordinance slavery was forever excluded from the 
vast regions which now compose the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, and the territory of Wisconsin, and an 
incapacity to bear up any other than freemen was im- 
pressed on the soil itself. 

8. Resolved, That the faith of the States and 'the nation 
thus pledged has been shamefully violated by the omission, 
on the part of many of the States, to take any measures 
whatever for the abolition of slavery within their respec- 
tive limits; by the continuance of slavery in the District 
of Columbia, and in the territories of Louisiana and Florida ; 
by the legislation of congress; by the protection afforded 
by national legislation and negotiation of slaveholding in 
American vessels, on the high seas, employed in the coast- 
wise slave traffic; and by the extension of slavery far be- 
yond its original limits, by acts of congress admitting 
new slave States into the Union. 

9. Resolved, That the fundamental truths of the Dec- 
laration of Independence, that all men are endowed by 



45^ THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which 
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, was made the 
fundamental law of our national government, by that 
amendment of the constitution which declares that no 
person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, with- 
out due* process of law. 

10. Resolved, That we recognize as sound the doctrine 
maintained by slaveholding jurists, that slavery is against 
natural rights, and strictly local, and that its existence and 
continuance rests on no other support than State legisla- 
tion, and not on any authority of congress. 

11. Resolved, That the general government has under 
the constitution no power to establish or continue slavery 
anywhere, and therefore that all treaties and acts of con- 
gress establishing, continuing or favoring slavery in the 
District of Columbia, in the territory of Florida, or on the 
high seas, are unconstitutional, and all attempts to hold 
men as property within the limits of exclusive national 
jurisdiction ought to be prohibited by law. 

12. Resolved, That the provisions of the constitution of 
the United States which confers extraordinary political 
powers on the owners of slaves, and thereby constituting 
the two hundred and fifty thousand slaveholders in the 
slave States a privileged aristocracy ; and the provisions for 
the reclamation of fugitive slaves from service, are anti- 
republican in their character, dangerous to the liberties of 
the people and ought to be abrogated. 

13. Resolved, That the practical operation of the second 
of these provisions is seen in the enactment of the act of 
congress respecting persons escaping from their masters, 
which act, if the construction given to it by the supreme 
court of the United States in the case of Priggs vs. Penn- 
sylvania be correct, nullifies the habeas corpus acts of all 
the States, takes away the whole legal security of personal 
freedom, and ought, therefore, to be immediately repealed. 

14. Resolved, That the peculiar patronage and support 
hitherto extended to slavery and slaveholding by the 
general government ought to*be immediately withdrawn, 
and the example and'influence of national authority ought 
to be arrayed on the side of liberty and free labor. 

15. Resolved, That the practice of the general government, 
which prevails in the slave States, of employing slaves upon 
the public works, instead of free laborers, and paying aristo- 
cratic masters, with a view to secure or reward political 
services, is utterly indefensible and ought to be abandoned. 

16. Resolved, That freedom of speech and of the press, 
and the right of petition, and the right of trial by jury, are 
sacred and inviolable; and that all rules, regulations and 



LIBERTY, 1844. 459 

laws, in derogation of either, are oppressive, unconstitu- 
tional, and not to be endured by a free people. 

17. Resolved, That we regard voting, in an eminent 
degree, as a moral and reli.^-ious duty, which when exer- 
cised should be by voting for those who will do all in their 
power for immediate emancipation. 

18. Resolved, That this convention recommend to the 
friends of liberty in all those free States where any ine- 
quality of rights and privileges exists on account of color, 
to employ their utmost energies to remove all such rem- 
nants and effects of the slave system. 

Whereas, The constitution of the United States is a 
series of agreements, covenants or contracts between the 
people of the United States, each with all, and all with 
each; and, 

Whereas, It is a principle of universal morality that the 
moral laws of the Creator are paramount to all human 
laws; or, in the language of an Apostle, that "we ought to 
obey God rather than men ;" and, 

Whereas, The principle of common law — that any con- 
tract, covenant or agreement, to do an act derogatory to 
natural right, is vitiated and annulled by its inherent im- 
morality — has been recognized by one of the justices of 
the supreme court of the United States, who in a recent 
case expressly holds that "any contract that rests upon such 
a basis is void\'^ and. 

Whereas, The third clause of the second section of the 
fourth article of the constitution of the United States, when 
construed as providing for the surrender of a fugitive 
slave, does "rest upon such a basis," in that it is a contract 
to rob a man of a natural right — namely, his natural right 
to his own liberty — and is therefore absolutely void; there- 
fore 

19. Resolved, That we hereby give it to be distinctly 
understood by this nation and the world that, as Abolition- 
ists, considering that the strength of our cause lies in its 
righteousness, and our hope for it in our conformity to the 
laws of Grod, and our respect for the rights of man, we owe 
it to the sovereign ruler of the universe, as a proof of our 
allegiance to Uim, in all our civil relations and offices, 
whether as private citizens or public functionaries sworn 
to support the constitution of the United States, to regard 
and to treat the third clause of the fourth article of that 
instrument, whenever applied to the case of a fugitive 
slave, as utterly null and void, and consequently as form- 
ing no part of the constitution of the United States, when- 
ever we are called upon or sworn to support it. 



^6o THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

20. Resolved, That the power given to congress by the 
constitution to provide for calling out the militia to sup- 
press insurrection does not make it the duty of the govern- 
ment to maintain slavery by military force, much less does 
it make it the duty of the citizens to form a part of such 
military force; when freemen unsheathe the sword it 
should be to strike for liberty, not for despotism. 

21. Resolved, That to preserve the peace of the citizens, 
and secure the blessings of freedom, the legislature of each 
of the free States ought to keep in force suitable statutes 
rendering it penal for any of its inhabitants to transport, 
or aid in transporting from such State, any person sought 
to be thus transported, merely because subject to the slave 
laws of any other State; this remnant of independence 
being accorded to the free States by the decision of the 
supreme court, in the case of Prigg vs. the State of Penn- 
sylvania. 

1848, 

Whig Party. 

Adopted no platform at the convention, but at a ratifica- 
tion meeting held in Philadelphia, June 9, 1848, adopted the 
following: 

1. Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States, here 
assembled by their representatives, heartily ratify the 
nomination of General Zachary Taylor, as president, and 
Millard Fillmore, as vice-president, of the United States, 
and pledge themselves to their support. 

2. Resolved, That in the choice of General Taylor as the 
Whig candidate for president we are glad to discover 
sympathy with a great popular sentiment throughout the 
nation — a sentiment which, having its origin in admiration 
of great military success, has been strengthened by the 
development, in every action and every word, of sound 
conservative opinions, and of true fidelity to the great ex- 
ample of former days and to the principles of the consti- 

. tution as administered by its founders. 

3. Resolved, That General Taylor, in saying that, had he 
voted in 1844, he would have voted the Whig ticket, gives us 
the assurance— and no better is needed from a consistent 
and truth-speaking man — that his heart was with^us at the 
crisis of our political destiny when Henry Clay was our 
candidate, and when not only Whig principles were well 
defined and clearly asserted, but Whig measures depended 
upon success. The heart that was with us then is with us 



WHIG, 1848. 461 

now, and we have a soldier's word of honor, and a life of 
public and private virtue as the security. 

4. Resolved, That we look on General Taylor's adminis- 
tration of the government as one conducive of peace, 
prosperity and union; of peace, because no one better 
knows, or has greater reason to deplore, what he has seen 
sadly on the field of victory, the horrors of war, and 
especially of a foreign and aggressive war; of prosperity, 
now more than ever needed to relieve the nation from a 
burden of debt and restore industry — agricultural, manu- 
facturing, and commercial — to its accustomed and peaceful 
functions and influences; of union, because we have a can- 
didate whose very position as a Southwestern man, reared 
on the banks of the great stream whose tributaries, natural 
and artificial, embrace the whole Union, renders the pro- 
tection of the interests of the whole country his first trust, 
and whose various duties in past life have been rendered 
not on the soil, or under the flag of any State or section, 
but over the wide frontier and under the broad banner of 
the nation. 

5. Resolved, That standing, as the Whig party does, on 
the broad and firm platform of the constitution, braced up 
by all its inviolable and sacred guarantees and compromises, 
and cherished in the afl:'ections, because protecti\nB of the 
interests of the people, we are proud to have as the expo- 
nent of our opinions one who is pledged to construe it by 
the wise and generous rules which Washington applied to 
it, and who has said— and no Whig desires any other assur- 
ance — that he will make Washington's administration his 
model. 

6. Resolved, That as Whigs and Americans we are proud 
to acknowledge our gratitude for the great military ser- 
vices, which, beginning at Palo Alto and ending at Buena 
Vista, first awakened the American people to a just esti- 
mate of him who is now our Whig candidate. In'the dis- 
charge of a painful duty — for his march into the enemy's 
country was a reluctant one; in the command of regulars 
at one time, and volunteers at another, and of both com- 
bined; in the decisive though punctual discipline of his 
camp, where all respected and loved him; in the negotia- 
tions of terms for a dejected and desperate enemy; in the 
exigency of actual conflict when the balance was perilously 
doubtful — we have found him the same — brave, distinguish- 
ed, and considerate, no heartless spectator of bloodshed, no 
trifler with human life or human happiness; and we do not 
know which to admire most, his heroism in withstanding 
the assaults of the enemy in the most hopeless fields of 



463 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

Buena Vista — mourning in generous sorrow over the graves 
of Kinggold, of Clay, of Hardin — or in giving, in the heat 
of battle, terms of merciful capitulation to a vanquished 
foe at Monterey, and not being ashamed to avovv^ that he 
did it to spare w^omen and children, helpless infancy and 
more helpless age, against whom no American soldier 
wars. Such a military man, whose triumphs are neither 
remote nor doubtful, W' hose virtues these trials have tested, 
we are proud to make our candidate. 

7. Resolved, That in support of this nomination we ask 
our Whig friends throughout the nation to unite to co-oper- 
ate zealously, resolutely, w^ith earnestness, in behalf of our 
candidate, whom calumny cannot reach, and -with respect- 
ful demeanor to our adversaries, whose candidates have yet 
to prove their claims on the gratitude of the nation. 



Democratic Party. 

1. Resolved, That the American Democracy place their 
trust in the intelligence, the patriotism, and the discrimin- 
ating justice of the American people. 

2. Resolved, That we regard this as a distinctive feature of 
our political creed, which we are proud to maintain before 
the world as the great moral element in a form of govern- 
ment springing from and upheld by the popular will, and 
contrasted with the creed and practice of federalism, under 
w^hatever name or f5rm, which seeks to palsy the will of the 
constituent and which conceives no imposture too mon- 
strous for the popular credulity. 

3. Resolved, therefore, that entertaining these views, 
the Democratic party of this Union, through the delegates 
here assembled in general conventions of the States, coming 
together in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the doctrines 
and faith of a free representative government, and appeal- 
ing to their fellow citizens for the rectitude of their inten- 
tions, renew and reassert before the American people the 
declaration of principles avowed by them on a former 
occasion, when, in general convention, they presented their 
candidates for the popular suffrage. 

Resolutions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the platform of 1840 were re- 
affirmed. (See Democratic platform of 1840, page 453). 

8. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the 
government to enforce and practice the most rigid economy 
in conducting our public affairs, and that no more revenue 
ought to be raised than is required to defray the necessary 
expenses of the government, and for the gradual, but cer- 



DEMOCRATIC, 184S. 463 

tain extinction of the debt created by the prosecution of a 
just and necessary war. 

Resolution 5 of the platform of 1840 was enlarged by the 

following: 

And that the results of Democratic legislation in this and 
all other financial measures upon which issues have been 
made between the two political parties of the country have 
demonstrated to careful and practical men of all parties 
their soundness, safety and utility in all business pursuits. 

Resolutions 7, 8 and 9 of the platform of 1840 were here 

inserted. (See Democratic platform of 1840, page 454). 

13. Resolved, That the proceeds of the public lands 
ought to be sacredly applied to the national objects specified 
in the constitution; and that we are opposed to any law 
for the distribution of such proceeds among the States as 
alike inexpedient in policy and repugnantto the constitu- 
tion. 

14. Resolved, That we are decidedly opposed to taking 
from the president the qualified veto power, by which he is 
enabled, under restrictions and responsibilities amply 
sufficient to guard the public interests, to suspend the pass- 
age of a bill whose merits cannot secure the approval of two- 
thirds of the senate and house of representatives, until 
the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and 
which has saved the American people from the corrupt and' 
tyrannical domination of the Bank of the United States, 
and from a corrupting system of general internal improve- 
ments. 

15. Resolved, That the war with Mexico, provoked on her 
part hj years of insults and injury, was commenced by her 
army crossing the Rio Grande, attacking the American 
troops, and invading our sister State of Texas, and upon 
all the principles of patriotism and the laW'S of nations it 
is a just and necessary war on our part, in which every 
American citizen should have shown himself on the side 
of his country, and neither morally nor physically, by word 
or by deed, have given "aid and comfort to the enemy." 

16. Resolved, That we would be rejoiced at the assur- 
ance of peace with Mexico, founded on the just principles 
of indemnity for the past and security for the future; but 
that while the ratification of the liberal treaty oft'ered to 
Mexico remains in doubt it is the duty of the country to 
sustain the administration and to sustain the country in 
every measure necessary to provide for the vigorous prose- 
cution of the war, should that treaty be rejected. 

17. Resolved, That the officers and soldiers who have 



464 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

•carried the arms of their country into Mexico have crowned 
it with imperishable glory. Their unconquerable courage, 
their daring enterprise, their unfaltering perseverance 
and fortitude when assailed on all sides by innumerable 
foes and that more formidable enemy — the disease of the 
climate — exalt their devoted patriotism into the highest 
heroism, and give them a right to the profound gratitude 
of their country, and the admiration of the world. 

18. Resolved, That the Democratic national convention 
of thirty States composing the American republic tender 
their fraternal congratulations to the national convention 
of the republic of France, now assembled as the free suffrage 
representative of the sovereignty of thirty-five millions of 
Republicans, to establish government on those eternal 
principles of equal rights, for which their LaFayette and 
our Washington fought side by side in the struggle for our 
national independence; and we would especially convey to 
them, and to the whole people of France, our earnest wishes 
for the consolidation of their liberties, through the wisdom 
that shall guide their councils, on the basis of a democratic 
constitution, not derived from the grants or concessions of 
kings or dynasties, but originating from the only true 
source of political power recognized in the States of this 
Union — the inherent and inalienable right of the people in 
their sovereign capacity to make and to amend their forms 
of government in such manner as the welfare of the com- 
munity may require. 

19. Resolved, That in view of the recent development of 
this grand political truth, of the sovereignty of the people 
and their capacity and power for self-government, which 
is prostrating thrones and erecting republics on the ruins 
of despotism in the old world, we feel that a high and sacred 
duty is devolved, with increased responsibility, upon the 
Democratic party of this country, as the party of the people, 
to sustain and advance among us constitutional liberty, 
equality, and fraternity by continuing to resist all monopo- 
lies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few at 
the expense of the many, and by a vigilant and constant ad- 
herence to those principles and compromises of the consti- 
tution, which are broad enough and strong enough to em- 
brace and uphold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, 
and the Union as it shall be, in the full expansion of the 
energies and capacity of this great and progressive people. 

20. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be for- 
warded, through the American minister at Paris, to the 
national convention of the republic of France. 

21. Resolved, That the fruits of the great political 



FREE SOIL, 1S4S. 465 

triumph of 1844, which elected James K. Polk and G-eorge 
M. Dallas president and vice-president of the United 
States, have fulfilled the hopes of the Democracy of the 
Union in defeating the declared purposes of their oppo- 
nents increatinganational bank; in preventing the corrupt 
and unconstitutional distribution of the land proceeds 
from the common treasury of the Union for local purposes; 
in protecting the currency and labor of the country from 
ruinous fluctuations, and (guarding the money of the country 
for the uso of tho people by the establishment of the con- 
stitutional treasury; in the noble impulse given to the 
cause of froe trade by the repeal of the tariff of '42, and the 
creation of tho more equal, honest, and productive tariff of 
1846; and that in our opinion it would be a fatal error to 
weaken tho bands of a political organization by which 
these great reforms have been achieved, and risk them in 
tho hands of their known adversaries with wiiatever delu- 
sive appeals they may solicit our surrender of that vigil- 
ance which is the only safe-guard of liberty. 

22. Resolved, That the confidence of the Democracy of 
the Union in the principles, capacity, firmness, and in- 
tegrity of James K. Polk, manifested by his nomination 
and election in 1844, has been signally justified by the 
strictness of his adherence to sound Democratic doctrines, 
by the purity of purpose, the energy and ability which 
have characterized his administration in all our affairs at 
home and abroad ; that we tender to him our cordial con- 
gratulation upon the brilliant success which has hitherto 
crowned his patriotic efforts, and assure him in advance 

* that at the expiration of his presidential term he will carry 
with him to his retirement the esteem, respect and admira- 
tion of a grateful country. 

23. Resolved, That this convention hereby present to 
the people of the United States, Lewis Cass, of Michigan, 
as the candidate of the Democratic party for the office of 
president, and William O. Butler, of Kentucky, for vice- 
president of the United States. 



Free Soil Party. 

(Composed of a branch of the Democratic party which 
opposed the extension of slavery into its territories, and 
the Liberty party.) 

Whereas, We have assembled in convention as a union 
of freemen, for the sake of freedom, forgetting all political 
difference, in a common resolve to maintain the rights of 



^66 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

free labor against the aggression of the slave power and to 
secure free soil to a free people ; and 

Whereas, The political conventions recently assembled 
at Baltimore and Philadelphia — the one stilling the voice 
of a great constituency, entitled to be heard in its delibera- 
tions, and the other abandoning its distinctive principles 
for mere availability — have dissolved the national party 
organization heretofore existing, by nominating for the 
chief magistracy of the United States, under the slave- 
holding dictation, candidates, neither of whom can be sup- 
ported by the opponents of slavery extension without a 
sacrifice of consistency, duty and self-respect; and 

Whereas, These nominations so made furnish the occa- 
sion and demonstrate the necessity of the union of the 
people under the banner of free democracy, in a solemn 
and formal declaration of their independence of the slave 
power, and of their fixed determination to rescue the fed- 
eral government from its control ; 

1. Resolved, Therefore, that we, the people here assem- 
bled, remembering the example of our fathers in the days 
of the first Declaration of Independence, putting our trust in 
God for the triumph of our cause, and invoking His guid- 
ance in our endeavors to advance it, do now plant ourselves 
upon the national platform of freedom, in opposition to the 
sectional platform of slavery. 

2. Resolved, That slavery in the several States of this 
Union which recognize its existence depends upon the 
State laws alone, which cannot be repealed or modified by 
the federal government, and for which laws that govern- 
ment is not responsible. We therefore propose no inter- 
ference by congress with slavery within the limits of any 
State. 

3. Resolved, That the proviso of Jefferson, to prohibit 
the existence of slavery after 1800 in all the territories of 
the United States, southern and northern ; the votes of six 
States and sixteen delegates in congress of 1784 for the 
proviso, to three States and seven delegates against it; the 
actual exclusion of slavery from the northwestern terri- 
tory, by the ordinance of 1787, unanimously adopted by the 
States in congress, and the entire history of that period 
clearly show that it was the settled policy of the nation 
not to extend, nationalize or encourage, but to limit, local- 
ize and discourage, slavery; and to this policy, which 
should never have been departed from, the government 
ought to return. 

4. Resolved, That our fathers ordained the constitution 
of the United States in order, among other great national 



FREE SOIL, 1S48. 467 

objects, to establish justice, promote the general welfare, 
and secure the blessings of liberty ; but expressly denied 
to the federal government which they created all constitu- 
tional power to deprive any person of life, liberty, or prop- 
erty without due legal process. 

5. Resolved, That in the judgment of this convention, 
Congress has no more power to make a slave than to make a 
king, no more power to institute or establish slavery than 
to institute or establish a monarchy; no such power can be 
found among those specifically conferred by the constitu- 
tion, or derived by just implication from them. 

6. Resolved, That it is the duty of the federal govern- 
ment to relieve itself from all responsibility for the exist- 
ence or continance of slavery wherever the government 
possesses constitutional power to legislate on that sub- 
ject, and it is thus responsible for its existence. 

7. Resolved, That the true, and, in the judgment of this 
convention, the only safe means of preventing the exten- 
sion of slavery into territory now free is to prohibit its 
extension in all such territory by an act of Congress. 

8. Resolved, That we accept the issue which the slave 
power has forced upon us; and to their demand for more 
slave States and more slave territory, our calm, but final 
answer is : No more slave States and no more slave terri- 
tory. Let the soil of our extensive domain be kept free 
for the hardy pioneers of our own land and the oppressed 
and banished of other lands seeking homes of comfort and 
fields of enterprise in the new world. 

9. Resolved, That the bill lately reported by the com- 
mittee of eight in the senate of the United States was no 
compromise, but an absolute surrender of the rights of the 
non-slave holders of the State; and while we rejoice to 
know that a measure which, while opening the door for the 
introduction of slavery into the territories now free, would 
also have opened the door to litigation and strife among 
the future inhabitants thereof, to the ruin of their peace 
and prosperity, was defeated in the house of representa- 
tives; its passage in hot haste by a majority, embracing 
several senators who voted in open violation of the known 
will of their constituents, should warn the people to see to 
it that their representatives be not suffered to betray them. 
There musf; be no more compromises with slavery ; if made, 
they must be repealed. 

10. Resolved, 'That we demand freedom and establish 
institutions for our brethren in Oregon now exposed to 
hardships, peril, and massacre, by the reckless hostility of 
the slave power to the establishment of free government 



468 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

and free territories; and not only for them, but for our 
brethren in California and New Mexico. 

11. Resolved, It is due not only to this occasion, but to 
the whole people of the United States, that we should also 
declare ourselves on certain other questions of national 
policy; therefore, 

12. Resolved, That we demand cheap postage for the 
people; a retrenchment of the expenses and patronage of 
the federal government; the abolition of all unnecessary 
offices and salaries; and the election by the people of all 
civil officers in the service of the government so far as the 
same may be practicable. 

13. Resolved, That river and harbor improvements, 
when demanded by the safety and convenience of com- 
merce with foreign nations, or among the several States, 
are objects of national concern, and that it is the duty of 
Congress, in the exercise of its constitutional power, to 
provide therefor. 

14. Resolved, That the free grant to actual settlers, in 
consideration of the expenses they incur in making settle- 
ments in the wilderness, which are usually fully equal to 
their actual cost, and of the public benefits resulting there- 
from, of reasonable portions of the public lands under 
suitable limitations, is a wise and just measure of public 
policy, which will promote, in various ways, the interest of 
all the States of this Union ; and we, therefore, recommend 
it to the favorable consideration of the American people. 

15. Resolved, That the obligations of honor and patriot- 
ism require the earliest practical payment of the national 
debt, and we are, therefore, in favor of such a tariff of du- 
ties as will raise revenue adequate to defray the expenses 
of the federal government and to pay annual instalments 
of our debt and the interest thereon. 

16. Resolved, That we inscribe on our banner, "Free 
Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor, and Free Men," and under 
it we will fight on, and fight forever until a triumphant 
victory shall reward our exertions. 



1852. 

Democeatic Party. 

Resolutions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the platform of 1848 
were reaffirmed, to which were added the following : 

8. Resolved, That it is the duty of ever^ branch of gov- 
ernment to enforce and practice the most rigid economy 
in conducting our public affairs, and that no more revenue 
ought to be raised than is required to defray the necessary 



DEMOCRATIC, 1852. 469 

expenses of the government, and for the gradual, but cer- 
tain extinction of the public debt, 

9. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a 
national bank; that we believe such an institution one of 
deadly hostility to the best interests of the country, dan- 
gerous to our Republican institutions and the liberties of 
the people, and calculated to place the business of the 
country within the control of a concentrated money power, 
and that above the laws and will of the people; and that 
the results of Democratic legislation in this and all other 
financial measures upon which issues have been made be- 
tween the two political parties of the country have demon- 
strated to candid and practical men of all parties their 
soundness, safety and utility in all business pursuits. 

10. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the 
government from banking institutions is indispensable for 
the safety of the funds of the government and the rights of 
the people. 

11. Resolved, That the liberal principles embodied by 
Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence and sanc- 
tioned in the constiution, which makes ours the land'of 
liberty and the asylum of the oppessed of every nation, 
have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith; 
and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming 
citizens and the owners of the soil among us ought to be 
resisted with the same spirit that swept the alien and 
sedition laws from our statute books. 

12. Resolved, That Congress has no power, under the 
constitution, to interfere with or control the domestic in- 
stitutions of the several States, and that such States are the 
sole and proper judges of everything appertaining to their 
own affairs not prohibited by the constitution; that all 
efforts of the Abolitionists or others made to induce Con- 
gress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take in- 
cipient steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to 
the most alarming and dangerous consequences; and that 
all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to diminish the 
happiness of the people and endanger the stability and 
permanency of the Union, and ought not to be counte- 
nanced by any ffieud of our political institutions. 

13. Resolved, That the foregoing proposition covers, 
and is intended to embrace, the whole subject of slavery 
agitation in Congress; and, therefore, the Democratic 
party of the Union, standing on this national platform, 
will abide by and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts 
known as the compromise measures settled by last Con- 
gress — "the act for reclaiming fugitives from service labor" 



470 THE NATIONAL PLATFORM.S. 

included; which act being- designed to carry out an express 
provision of the constitution cannot, with fidelity thereto, be 
repealed nor so changed as to destroy or impair its efficiency. 

14. Resolved, That the Democratic party will resist all 
attempts at renewing in Congress, or out of it, the agita- 
tion of the slavery question under whatever shape or color 
the attempt may be made. 

(Here resolutions 13 and 14 of the platform of 1848 were 
inserted.) 

17. Resolved, That the Democratic party will faithfully 
a^bide by and uphold the principles laid down in the Ken- 
tucky and Virginia resolutions of 1792 and 1798, and in the 
report of Mr. Madison to the Virginia legislature in 1799; 
that it adopts those principles as constituting one of the 
main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved to 
carry them out in their obvious meaning and import. 

18. Resolved, That the war with Mexico, upon all the 
principles of patriotism and the law of nations, was a just 
and necessary war on our part, in which no American citi- 
zen should have shown himself opposed to his country, and 
neither morally nor physically, by word or deed, given aid 
and comfort to the enemy. 

19. Resolved, That we rejoice at the restoration of 
friendly relations with our sister republic of Mexico, and 
earnestly desire for her all the blessings and the pros- 
perity which we enjoy under republican institutions, and 
we congratulate the American people on the results of that 
war which have so manifestly justified the policy and con- 
duct of the Democratic party and insured to the United 
States indemnity for the past and security for the future. 

20. Resolved, That, in view of the condition of popular 
institutions in the Old World, a high and sacred duty is 
devolved with increased responsibility upon the Democracy 
of this country, as the party of the people, to uphold and 
maintain the rights of every State, and thereby the union 
of States, and to sustain and advance among them constitu- 
tional liberty by continuing to resist all monopolies and 
exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few at the ex- 
pense of the many, and by a vigilant and constant adher- 
ence to those principles and compromises of the constitu- 
tion which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace 
and uphold the Union as it is, and the Union as it should 
be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of 
this great and progressive people. 

Whig Party. 
The Whigs of the T'nited States, in convention assem- 



WHIG, 1853. 471 

bled, adhering to the great conservative principles hj 
which they are controlled and governed, and now^ as ever 
relying upon the intelligence of the American people, with 
an abiding confidence in their capacity for self-govern- 
ment and their devotion to the constitution and the Union, 
do proclaim the following as the political sentiments and 
determination for the establishment and maintenance of 
which their national organization as a party was effected : 

First. The government of tbe United States is of a lim- 
ited character, and is contined to the exercise of powers 
expressly granted by the constitution, and such as may be 
necessary and proper for carrying the granted powers into 
full execution, and that powers not granted or necessarily 
implied are reserved to the States respectively and to the 
people. 

Second. The State governments should be held secure 
to their reserved rights, and the general government sus- 
tained in its constitutional powers, and that the Union 
should be revered and watched over as the palladium of 
our liberties. * 

Third. That while struggling freedom everywhere en- 
lists the warmest sympathy of the Whig party we still 
adhere to the doctrines of the father of his country, as 
announced in his farewell address, of keeping ourselves 
free from all entangling alliances with foreign countries, 
and never quitting our own to stand upon foreign grounds; 
that our mission as a republic is not to propagate our 
opinions, or impose upon other countries our form of gov- 
ernment by artifice, or force, but to teach by example, and 
show by our success, moderation and justice, the blessings 
of self-government and the advantages of free institutions. 

Fourth. That as the people make and control the gov- 
ernment, they should obey its constitution, laws and trea- 
ties as they would retain their self-respect and the respect 
which they claim and will enforce from foreign powers. 

Fifth. Governments should be conducted on the princi- 
ples of the strictest economy, and revenue sufficient for the 
expenses thereof in time of peace ought to be derived 
mainly from a duty on imports, and not from direct taxes; 
and in laying such duties sound policy requires a just dis- 
crimination, and wheu practicable by specific duties, 
whereby suitable encouragement may be afi'orded to Amer- 
ican industry equal to all classes and to all portions of the 
country. 

Sixth. The constitution vests in Congress the power to 
open and repair harbors and remove obstructions from 
navigable rivers whenever such improvements are neces- 



472 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

sary for the common defence and for the protection and 
facility of commerce with foreign nations or among the 
States, said improvements being in every instance national 
and general in their character. 

Seventh. The federal and State governments are parts 
of one system, alike necessary for the common prosperity, 
peace and security, and ought to be regarded alike with a 
cordial, habitual and immovable attachment. Respect for 
the authority of each and acquiescence in the just consti- 
tutional measures of each are duties required by the plain-^ 
est considerations of national, State and individual wel- 
fare. 

Eighth. That the series of acts of the Thirty-second 
Congress, the act known as the Fugitive Slave Law includ- 
ed, are received and acquiesced in by the Whig party of 
the United States as a settlement in principle and sub- 
stance of the dangerous and exciting questions which they 
embrace, and so far as they are concerned we will maintain 
them and insist upon their strict enforcement until time 
and experience s^all demonstrate the necessity for further 
legislation to guard against the evasion of the laws on the 
one hand and the abuse of their powers on the other, not 
impairing their present efficiency; and we deprecate all 
further agitation of the question thus settled as dangerous 
to our peace, and will discountenance all efforts to continue 
or renew such agitation whenever, wherever or however 
the attempt may be made; and we will maintain the sys- 
tem as essential to the nationality of the Whig party and 
the integrity of the Union. 

Free Soil Platform. 

Having assembled in national convention as the free 
Democracy of the United States, united by a common 
resolve to maintain right against wrong, and freedom 
against slavery; confiding in the intelligence, patriotism 
and discriminating justice of the American people; putting 
our trust in God for the triumph of our cause, and invoking 
His guidance in our endeavors to advance it, we now submit 
to the candid judgment of all men the following declaration 
of principles and measures : 

1. That governments, deriving their just powers from 
consent of the governed, are instituted among men to 
'secure to all those inalienable rights of life, liberty and the 
pursuit of happiness, with which they are endowed by their 
Creator, and of which none can be deprived bylvalid legisla- 
tion, except for crime. 
.2. That the true mission of American democracy is to 



FREE SOIL, 1S53. 472 

maintain the liberties of the people, the sovereignty of the 
States, and the perpetuity of the Union by the impartial 
application to public affairs, without sectional discrimina- 
tion, of the fundamental principles of human rights, strict 
justice and an economical administration. 

3. That the federal governinent is one of limited powers, 
derived solely from the constitution, and the grants of 
power therein ought to be strictly construed by all the de- 
partments and agents of the government, and it is inex- 
pedient and dangerous to exercise doubtful constitutional 
powers. 

4. That the constitution of the United States, ordained 
to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, and 
secure the blessings of liberty, expressly denies to the 
general government all power to deprive any person of 
life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; and, 
therefore, the government, having no more power to make 
a slave than to make a king, and no more power to establish 
slavery that to establish a monarchy, should at once pro- 
ceed to relieve itself from all responsibility for the existence 
of slavery wherever it possesses constitutional power to 
legislate for its extinction. 

5. That to the persevering and importunate demands of 
the slave power for more slave States, new slave territories, 
and the nationalization of slavery, our distinct and final 
answer is no more slave States, no slave territory, no 
nationalized slavery, and no national legislation for the 
extradition of slaves. 

6. That slavery is a sin against God, and a crime against 
man, which no human enactment or usage can make right; 
and that Christianity, humanity and patriotism alike de- 
mand its abolition. 

7. That the fugitive slave act of 1850 is repugnant to the 
constitution, to the principles of the common law, to the 
spirit of Christianity, and to the sentiments of the civilized 
world; we therefore deny its binding force on the Amer- 
ican people and demand its immediate and total repeal. 

8. That the doctrine that any human law is a finality, 
and not subject to modification or repeal, is not in accord- 
ance with the creed of the founders of our government, and 
is dangerous to the liberties of the people, 

9. That the acts of Congress, known as the compromise . 
measures of 1850, by making the admission of a sovereign 
State contingent upon the adoption of other measures de- 
manded by the special interests of slavery; by their omis- 
sion to guarantee freedom in the free territories, by their 
attempt to impose unconstitutional limitations on the 



/ 



474 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



powers of Congress and the people to admit new States; by 
their provisions for the assumption of five millions of the 
State debt of Texas, and for the payment of five millions 
more, and the session of large territory to the same State 
under menace, as an inducement to the relinquishment of 
a groundless claim ; and by their invasion of the sovereignty 
of the States and the liberties of the people, through the 
enactment of an unjust, oppressive, and unconstitutional 
fugitive slave law, are proved to be inconsistent with all 
the principles and maxims of democracy, and wholly inade- 
quate to the settlement of the questions of which they are 
claimed to be an adjustment. 

10. That no permanent settlement of the slavery ques- 
tion can be looked for except in the practical recognition 
of the truth that slavery is sectional and freedom national ; 
by the total separation of the general government from 
slavery, and the exercise of its legitimate and constitutional 
influence on the side of freedom ; and by leaving to the States 
the whole subject of slavery and the extradition of fugitives 
from service. 

11. That all men have a natural right to a portion of the 
soil; and that as the use of the soil is indispensable to 
life, the right of all men to the soil is as sacred as their 
right to life itself. 

12. That the public lands of the United States belong 
to the people and should not be sold to individuals nor 
granted to corporations, but should be held as a sacred 
trust for the benefit of the people, and should be granted 
in limited quantities, free of cost, to landless settlers. 

13. That due regard for the federal constitution, a sound 
administrative policy, demand that the funds of the general 
government be kept separate from banking institutions; 
that inland and ocean postage should be reduced to the 
lowest possible point; that no more revenue should be 
raised than is required to defray the strictly necessary ex- 
penses of the public service and to pay oft' the public debt; 
and that the power and patronage of the government should 
be diminished by the abolition of all unnecessary ofiices, 
salaries and privileges, and by the election of the people 
of all civil officers in the service of the United States, so far 
as may be consistent with the prompt and efficient trans- 
action of the public business. 

14. That river and harbor improvements, when necessary 
to the safety and convenience of commerce with foreign 
nations, or among the several States, are objects of national 
concern; and it is the duty of Congress, in the exercise of 
its constitutional powers, to provide for the same. 



FREE SOIL, 1852. 475 

15. That emigrants and exiles from the Old World 
should find a cordial welcome to homes of comfort and 
fields of enterprise in the new; and every attempt to 
abridge their privilege of becoming citizens and owners 
of soil among us ought to be resisted with inflexible 
determination. 

16. That every nation has a clear right to alter or change 
its own government and to administer its own concerns in 
such manner as may best secure the rights and promote the 
happiness of the people; and foreign interference with 
that right is a dangerous violation of the law of nations, 
against which all independent governments should protest, 
and endeavor by all proper means to prevent; and espe- 
cially is it the duty of the American government, repre- 
senting the chief republic of the world, to protest against 
and by all proper means to prevent, the intervention of 
kings and emperors against nations seeking to establish 
for themselves republican or constitutional governments. 

17. That the independence of Hayti ought to be recog- 
nized by our government, and our commercial relations 
with it placed on the footing of the most favored nations. 

18. That as by the constitution "the citizens of each 
State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities 
of citizens in the several States," the practice of imprison- 
ing colored seamen of other States, while the vessels to 
which they belong lie in port, and refusing the exercise of 
the right to bring such cases before the supreme court of 
the United states, to test the legality of such proceedings, 
is a flagrant violation of the constitution, and an invasion 
of the rights of the citizens of other States, utterly incon- 
sistent with the profession made by the slaveholders, that 

' they wish the provisions of the constitution faithfully ob- 
served by every State in the Union. 

19. That we recommend the introduction into all treaties 
hereafter to be negotiated between the United States and 
foreign nations, of some provision for the amicable settle- 
ment of difficulties by a resort to decisive arbitrations. 

20. That the free Democratic party is not organized to 
aid either the Whig or Democratic wing of the great 
slave compromise party of the nation, but to defeat them 
both; and that repudiating and denouncing both as hope- 
lessly corrupt and utterly unworthy of confidence, the pur- 
pose of the free Democracy is to take possession of the 
federal government and administer it for the better pro- 
tection of the rights and interests of the whole people. 

21. That we inscribe on our banner free soil, free speech, 
free labor, and free men, and under it will fight on and 



476 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. ' 



fight ever, until a triumphant victory shall rew^ard our 
exertions. 

22. That upon this platform the convention presents to 
tbe American people, as a candidate for the office of presi- 
dent of the United States, John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, 
and as a candidate for the office of vice-president of the 
United States George W. Julian, of Indiana, and earnestly 
commend them to the support of all freemen and all 
parties. 

1856. 

^""""^ Democratic Party. 

Resolved, That the American Democracy place their 
trust in the intelligence, the patriotism, and the discrimi- 
nating justice of the American people. 

Kesolved, That we regard this as a distinctive feature 
of our political creed, which we are proud to maintain ber 
fore the world as the great moral element in a form of gov- 
ernment springing from and upheld by the popular will; 
and we contrast it with the creed and practice of federal- 
ism, under whatever name or form, which seeks to palsy 
the will of the constituent, and which conceives no impos- 
ture too monstrous for the popular credulity. 

Resolved, therefore, that, entertaining these views, the 
Democratic party of this Union, through their delegates 
assembled in a general convention of the States, coming to- 
gether in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the doctrines 
and faith of a free representati-ve government, and appeal- 
ing to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of their inten- 
tions, renew and reassert before the American people the 
declarations of principles avowed by them when, on former 
occasions, in general convention, they presented their can-, 
didates for the popular suffrage : 

1. That the federal government is one of limited power, 
derived solely from the constitution, and the grants of 
power made therein ought to be strictly construed by all 
the departments and agents of the government, and that it 
is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubtful consti- 
tutional powers. 

2. That the constitution does not confer upon the gen- 
eral government the power to commence and carry on a 
general system of internal improvements. 

3. That the constitution does not confer authority upon 
the federal government, directly or indirectly, to assume 
the debts of the several States, contracted for local and in- 
ternal improvements, or other State purposes; nor would 
such assumption be just or expedient. 



DEMOCRATIC, 1S56. 477 

4. That justice and sound policy forbid the federal gov- 
ernment to foster one branch of industry to the detriment 
of any other, or to cherish the interests of one portion to 
the injury of another portion of our common country; that 
every citizen and every section of the country has a right 
to demand and insist upon an equality of rights and privi- 
leges, and to complete and ample protection of persons and 
property from domestic violence or foreign aggression. 

5. That it is the duty of every branch of the government 
to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conduct- 
ing our public affairs, and that no more revenue ought to 
be raised than is required to defray the necessary expenses 
of the government, and for the gradual, but certain extinc- 
tion of the public debt. 

6. That the proceeds of the public lands ought to be sa- 
credly applied to the national objects specified in the con- 
stitution ; and that we are opposed to any law for the 
distribution of such proceeds among the States, as alike in- 
expedient in policy and repugnant to the constitution. 

7. That Congress has no power to charter a national 
bank; that we believe such an institution one of deadly 
hostility to the best interests of the country, dangerous to 
our republican institutions and the liberties of the people, 
and calculated to place the business of the country within 
the control of a concentrated money power, and above the 
laws and the will of the people; and that the results of 
Democratic legislation in this and all other financial meas- 
ures upon which issues have been made between the two 
political parties of the country have demonstrated to can- 
did and practical men of all parties their soundness, safety, 
and utility in all business pursuits. 

8. That the separation of the moneys of the government 
from banking institutions is indispensable for the safety 
of the funds of the government and the rights of the 
people. 

9. That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the 
president the qualified veto power, by which he is enabled, 
under restrictions and responsibilities amply sufiicient to 
guard the public interests, to suspend the passage of c bill 
whose merits cannot secure the approval of twi)-thirds of 
the senate and house of representatives, until the judgment 
of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has saved 
the American people from the corrupt and tyrannical dom- 
ination of the Bank of the United States, and from a cor- 
rupting system of general internal improvements. 

10. That the liberal principles embodied by Jefi'erson in 
the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the 



478 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty and the 
asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been 
cardinal principles in the Democratic faith, and every at- 
tempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the 
owners of soil among us ought to be resisted with the same 
spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from our 
statute books; and, 

Whereas, Since the foregoing declaration was uniformly 
adopted by our predecessors in national conventions, an 
adverse political and religious test has been secretly or- 
ganized by a party claiming to be exclusively American, it 
is proper that the American Democracy should clearly de- 
fine its relation thereto, and declare its determined opposi- 
tion to all secret political societies, by whatever name they 
may be called. 

Resolved, That the foundation of this union of States 
having been laid in, and its prosperity, expansion, and 
pre-eminent example in free government built upon entire 
freedom in matters of religious concernment, and no re- 
spect of persons in regard to rank or place of birth, no 
party can justly be deemed national, constitutional, or in 
accordance with American principles, which bases its ex- 
clusive organization upon religious opinions and accidental 
birthplace. And hence a political crusade in the nine- 
teenth century, and in the United States of America, 
against Catholic and foreign-born, is neither justified by 
the past history or the future prospects of the country, nor 
in unison with the spirit of toleration and enlarged free- 
dom which peculiarly distinguishes the American system 
of popular government. 

Resolved, That we reiterate with renewed energy of 
purpose the well-considered declarations of former con- 
ventions upon the sectional issue of domestic slavery and 
concerning the reserved rights of the States. 

1. That Congress has no power under the constitution 
to interfere with or control the domestic institutions of the 
several States, and that such States are the sole and proper 
judges of everything appertaining to their own affairs not 
prohibited by the constitution; that all efforts of the 
Abolitionists, or others, made to induce Congress to inter- 
fere with questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps in 
relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarm- 
ing and dangerous consequences; and that all such efforts 
have an inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness of 
the people and endanger the stability and permanency of 
the Union, and ought not to be countenanced by any friend 
of our political institutions. 



DEMOCRATIC, lS^6. 4^9 

2. That the foregoing proposition covers, and was in- 
tended to embrace, the whole subject of slavery agitation 
in Congress; and therefore the Democratic party of the 
Union, standing on this national platform, will abide by 
and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts known as the 
compromise measures, settled by the Congress of 1850; 
"the act for reclaiming fugitives from service or labor" 
included; which act, being designed to carry out an ex- 
press provision of the constitution, cannot, with fidelity 
thereto, be repealed or so changed as to destroy or impair 
its efiiciency. 

3. That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at 
renewing, in Congress or out of it, the agitation of the 
slavery question under whatever shape or color the at- 
tempt may be made. 

4. That the Democratic party will faithfully abide by 
and uphold the principles laid down in the Kentucky and 
Virginia resolutions of 1798, and in the report of Mr. Madi- 
son to the Virginia legislature in 1799; that it adopts those 
principles as constituting one of the main foundations of 
its political creed, and is resolved to carry them out in 
their obvious meaning and import. 

And that W3 may more distinctly meet the issue on 
which a sectional party, subsisting exclusively on slavery 
agitation, now relies to test the fidelity of the people, North 
and South, to the constitution and the Union — 

1. Resolved,. That claiming fellowship with and desiring 
the co-operation of all who regard the preservation of the 
Union under the constitution as the paramount issue — and 
repudiating all sectional parties and platforms concerning 
domestic slavery, w^hich seek to embroil the States and in- 
cite to treason and armed resistance to law in the Terri- 
tories, and whose avowed purposes, if consummated, must 
end in civil war and disunion — the American Democracy 
recognize and adopt the principles contained in the organic 
laws establishing the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska 
as embodying the only sound and safe solution of the 
"slavery question" upon which the great national idea of 
the people of this whole country can repose in its deter- 
mined conservatism of the Union — Non-interference by 
Congress with Slavery in State and Territory, or in the 
District of Columbia. 

2. That was the basis of the compromises of 1850 — con- 
firmed by both the Democratic and Whig parties in na- 
tional conventions — ratified by the people in the election 
of 1852 — and rightly applied to the organization of Terri- 
tories in 1854. 



480 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



3. That by the uniform application of this Democratic 
principle to the organization of Territories and to the ad- 
mission of new States, with or without domestic slavery, 
as they may elect — the equal rights of all the States will be 
preserved intact — the original compacts of the constitution 
maintained inviolate — and the perpetuity and expansion of 
this Union insured to its utmost capacity of embracing, in 
peace and harmony, every future American State that may 
be constituted or annexed, with a republican form of gov- 
ernment. 

Kesolved, That we recognize the right of the people of all 
the Territories, including Kansas and Nebraska, acting 
through the legally and fairly expressed will of a majority 
of actual residents, and whenever the number of their in- 
habitants justifies it, to form a constitution, with or with- 
out domestic slavery, and be admitted into the Union upon 
terms of perfect equality with the other States. 

Resolved, finally, That in view of the condition of pop- 
ular institutions in the Old World (and the dangerous 
tendencies of sectional agitation, combined with the at- 
tempt to enforce civil and religious disabilities against the 
rights of acquiring and enjoying citizenship in our own 
land) a high and sacred duty is devolved with increased 
responsibility upon the Democratic party of this country, 
as the party of the Union, to uphold and maintain the 
rights of every State, and thereby the union of the States; 
and to sustain and advance among us constitutional liberty, 
by continuing to resist all monopolies and exclusive legis- 
lation for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, 
and by a vigilant and constant adherence to those princi- 
ples and compromises of the constitution which are broad 
enough and strong enough to embrace and uphold the 
Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the Union as it 
shall be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity 
of this great and progressive people. 

1. Eesolved, That there are questions connected with 
the foreign policy of this country which are inferior to no 
domestic questions whatever. The time has come for the 
people of the United States to declare themselves in favor 
of free seas and progressive free trade throughout the 
world, and by solemn manifestations to place their moral 
influence at the side of their successful example. 

2. Resolved, That our geographical and political posi- 
tion with reference to the other States of this continent, 
no less than the interest of our commerce and the develop- 
ment of our growing power, requires that we should hold 
sacred the principles involved in the Monroe doctrine. 



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REPUBLICAN, 1856. 481 

Their bearing and import admit of no misconstruction, and 
should be applied with unbending rigidity. 

3. Resolved, that the great highway which nature, as 
well as the assent of States most immediately interested in 
its maintenance, has marked out for free communication 
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, constitute one of 
the most important achievements realized by the spirit of 
modern times, in the unconquerable energy of our people; 
and that result would be secured by a timely and efficient 
exertion of the control which we have the right to claim 
over it ; and no power on earth should be suffered to im- 
pede or clog its progress by any interference with relations 
that may suit our policy to establish between our govern- 
ment and the governments of the States within whose do- 

'minions it lies; we can under no circumstances surrender 
our preponderance in the adjustment of all questions aris- 
ing out of it, 

4. Resolved, That, in view of so commanding an interest, 
the people of the United States cannot but sympathize with 
the eft'orts which are being made by the people of Central 
America to regenerate that portion of the continent which 
covers the passage across the inter-oceanic isthmus. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic party will expect of 
the next administration that every proper effort be made to 
insure our ascendancy in the Gulf of Mexico, and to main- 
tain permanent protection to the great outlets through 
which are emptied into its waters the products raised out 
of the soil and the commodities created by the industry of 
the people of our western valleys and of the Union at large. 

6. Resolved, That the administration of Franklin Pierce 
has been true to Democratic principles, and, therefore, true 
to the great interests of the country; in the face of violent 
opposition he has maintained the laws at home and vindi- 
cated the rights of American citizens abroad, and, there- 
fore, we proclaim our unqualified admiration of his meas- 
ures and policy. 

Republican Party. 

(Made by a union of the Free Soil party and the northern 

branch of the Whig party.) 

This convention of delegates, assembled in pursuance of 
a call addressed to the people of the United States, without 
regard to past political differences or divisions, who are 
opposed to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, to the 
policy of the present administration, to the extension of 
slavery into free territory ; in favor of admitting Kansas 



^83 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

as a free State, of restoring the action of the federal 
g'overnment to the principles of Washington and Jefferson ; 
and who propose to unite in presenting candidates for the 
offices of president and vice-president, do resolve as 
follows : 

Resolved, That the maintenance of the principles pro- 
mulgated in the Declaration of Independence, and em- 
bodied in the federal constitution, is essential to the 
preservation of our republican institutions, and that the 
federal constitution, the rights of the States, and the union 
of the States shall be preserved. 

Resolved, That with our republican fathers we ) old it to 
be a self-evident truth that all men are endowed with the 
inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- 
piness, and that the primary object and ulterior design of 
our federal government were to secure these rights to all 
persons within its exclusive jurisdiction; that as our re- 
publican fathers, when they had abolished slavery in all 
our national territory, ordained that no person should be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process 
«of law, it becomes our duty to maintain this provision of 
the constitution against all attempts to violate it for the 
purpose of establishing slavery in any territory of th« 
United States, by positive legislation, prohibiting its exist- 
ence or extension therein. That we deny the authority of 
Congress, of a territorial legislature, of any individual or 
association of individuals, to give legal existence to slavery 
in any territory of the United States, while the present 
constitution shall be maintained. 

Hesolved, That the constitution confers upon Congress 
sovereign power over the territories of the United States 
for their government, and that in the exercise of this power 
It is both the right and the imperative duty of Congress to 
prohibit in the territories those twin relics of barbarism, 
polygamy and slavery. 

Resolved, That while the constitution of the United 
States was ordained and established, in order to form a 
more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic 
tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the 
general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty, and 
contains ample provisions for the protection of the life, 
liberty and property of every citizen, the dearest constitu- 
tional rights of the people of Kansas have been fraudulent- 
ly and violently taken from them ; their territory has been 
invaded by an armed force; spurious and pretended legis- 
lative, judicial and executive officers have been set over 
them, by whose usurped authority, sustained by the mili- 



REPUBLICAN, lSi^6. 485 

tary power of the government, tyrannical and unconstitu- 
tional laws have been enacted and enforced; the rights of 
the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed ; 
test oaths of an extraordinary and entangling nature have- 
been imposed, as a condition of exercising the right of suf- 
frage and holding office; the right of an accused person to* 
a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury has been 
denied; the right of the people to be secure in their persons^ 
houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches 
and seizures has been violated; they have been deprived of 
life, liberty and property without due process of law ; that 
the freedom of speech and of the press has been abridged; 
the right to choose their representatives has been made of 
no effect; murders, robberies and arsons have been in- 
stigated or encouraged, and the offenders have been 
allowed to go unpunished; that all these things have been 
done with the knowledge, sanction, and procurement of the' 
present national administration, and that for this higls 
crime against the constitution, the union and humanity^ 
we arraign the administration, the president, his advisers,, 
agents, supporters, apologists and accessories, either before 
or after the facts, before the country and before the worlds 
and that it is our fixed purpose to bring the actual per- 
petrators of these atrocious outrages and their accomplices. 
to a sure and condign punishment hereafter. 

Besolved, That Kansas should be immediately admitted 
as a State of the Union with her present free constitution^ 
as at once the most eft'ectual way of securing to her citizens 
the emjoyment of the rights and 'privileges to which they 
are entitled, and of ending the civil strife now raging in 
her territory. 

Resolved, That the highwayman's plea that "might make* 
right," embodied in the Ostend circular, was in every re- 
spect unworthy of American diplomacy, and would bring: 
shame and dishonor upon any government or people who 
gave it their sanction. 

Resolved, That a railroad to the Pacific ocean, by the 
most central and practical route, is imperatively demandecJ 
by the interests of the whole country, and that the federal 
government ought to render immediate and eflicient aid in 
its construction ; and as an auxiliary thereto, to the imme- 
diate construction of an emigrant route on the line of the 
railroad. 

Resolved, That appropriations by Congress for the im- 
provement of rivers and harbors of a national character, re- 
quired for the accommodation and security of our existingj" 
commerce, ar<^ authorized by the constitution and justifiedl 



484 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



by the obligation of government to protect the lives and 
property of its citizens. 

Resolved, That we invite the affiliation and co-operation 
of freemen of all parties, however dilt'ering from us in 
other respects, in support of the principles herein declared; 
and, believing that the spirit of our institutions as well as 
the constitution of our country guarantees liberty of con- 
science and equality of rights among citizens, we oppose 
all legislation impairing their security. 

Amebic AN (Know Nothing) Party. 

1. An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme Being 
for His protecting care vouchsafed to our fathers in their 
successful revolutionary struggle, and hitherto manifested 
to us, their descendants, in the preservation of the liberties, 
the independence, and the union of these states. 

2. The perpetuation of the federal union and constitu- 
tion as the palladium of our civil and religious liberties, 
and the only sure bulwarks of American independence. 

3. Americans must rule America; and to this end native 
born citizens should be selected for all state, federal, and 
municipal government employment, in preference to all 
others. Nevertheless, 

4. Persons born of American parents residing temporar- 
ily abroad should be entitled to all the rights of native 
born citizens. 

5. No person should be selected for political station 
(whether of native or foreign birth) who recognizes any 
allegiance or obligation of any description to any foreiga 
prince, potentate or power, or who refuses to recognize the 
federal and state constitution (each within its own sphere) 
as paramount to all other laws as rules of political action. 

6. The unequalled recognition and maintenance of the 
reserved rights of the several states, and the cultivation of 
haruiony and fraternal good will between the citizens of 
the several states, and to this end non-interference by Con- 
gress with questions appertaining solely to the individual 
states, and non-intervention by each state with the affairs 
of any other state. 

7. The recognition of the right of native born and nat- 
uralized citizens of the United States permanently resid- 
ing in any territory thereof to frame their constitution and 
laws, and to regulate their domestic and social affairs in 
their own mode, subject only to the provisions of the fed- 
eral constitution, with the privilege of admission into the 
Union whenever they have the requisite population for one 
repres^^-ntative in Congress. 



AMERICAN (know NOTHINg), 1856. 485 

Provided, That none but those who are citizens of the 
United States under the constitution and laws thereof, and 
who have a fixed residence in any such territory, are to 
participate in the formation of the constitution or in the 
enactment of laws for said territory or state. 

8. An enforcement of the principles that no state or 
territory ought to admit others than citizens to the right of 
iuffrage or of holding political oflices of the United States. 

9. A change in the laws of naturalization, making a 
«ontinued residence of twenty-one years, of all not hereto- 
fore provided for, an indispensable requisite for citizenship 
hereafter, and excluding all paupers or persons convicted 
of crime from landing upon our shores; but no interfer- 
ence with the vested rights of foreigners. 

10. Opposition to any union between church and state; 
BO interference with religious faith or worship; and no test 
oaths for ofiice. 

11. Free and thorough investigation into any and all 
alleged abuses of public functionaries and a strict economy 
in public expenditures. 

12. The maintenance and enforcement of all laws con- 
stitutionally enacted until said laws shall be repealed or 
shall be declared null and void by competent judiciary 
authority. 

13. Opposition to the reckless and unwise policy of the 
present administration in the general management of our 
national affairs, and more especially as shown in removing 
"Americans" (by designation) and conservatives in princi- 
ple from office, and placing foreigners and ultraists in 
their places; as shown in truckling subserviency to the 
stronger and an insolent and cowardly bravado toward the 
weaker powers; as shown in re-opening sectional agita- 
tion, by the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; as shown 
in the granting to unnaturalized foreigners the right of 
suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska; as shown in its vacillat- 
ing course on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as 
shown in the corruption which pervades some of the de- 
partments of the government; as shown in disgracing 
meritorious naval officers through prejudiced caprice; and 
as shown in the blundering mismanagement of our foreign 
relation. 

14. Therefore, to remedy existing evils and prevent the 
disastrous consequences otherwise resulting therefrom, we 
would build up the "American Party " upon the principles 
hereinbefore stated. 

15. That each state council shall have authority to 
amend their several constitutions, so as to abolish the sev- 



486 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



eral degrees and substitute a pledge of honor, instead of 
other obligations, for fellowship and admission into the 
party. 

16. A free and open discussion of all political principles 
embraced in our platform. 

Whig Party. 

(The Southern branch of the old Whig party. Their con- 
vention ratified the nomination of the American party, but 
adopted a separate platform.) 

Resolved, T'.iat the Whigs of the United States, now here 
assembled, hi^reby declare their reverence for the constitu- 
tion of the United States, their unalterable attachment to 
the national union and a fixed determination to do all in 
their power to preserve them for themselves and their pos- 
terity. They have no new principles to announce; no new 
platform to establish; but are content to broadly rest — 
where their fathers rested — upon the constitution of the 
United States, wishing no safer guide, no higher law. 

Resolved, That we regard with the deepest interest and 
anxiety the present disordered condition of our national 
affairs — a portion of the country rabid by civil war, large 
sections of our population embittered by mutual recrimi- 
nations ; and we distinctly trace these calamities to the cul- 
pable neglect of duty by the present national administra- 
tion. 

Resolved, That the government of the United States was 
formed by the conjunction in political unity of widespread 
geographical sections, materially differing, not only in cli- 
mate and products, but in social and domestic institutions; 
and that any cause that shall permanently array the differ- 
ent sections of the union in political hostility and organize 
parties founded only on geographical distinctions must in- 
evitably prove fatal to a continuance of the national union. 

Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States declare, 
as a fundamental article of political faith, an absolute ne- 
cessity for avoiding geographical parties. The danger, so 
clearly discerned by the father of his country, has now be- 
come fearfully apparent in the agitation now convulsing 
the nation and must be arrested at once if we would pre- 
serve our constitution and our union from dismemberment 
and the name of America from being blotted out from the 
family of civilized nations. 

Resolved, That all who revere the constitution and the 
union must look with alarm at the parties in the field in 
thfc present presidential campaign - one claiming only to 



REPUBLICAN, lS6o. 487 

represent sixteen Northern states, and the other appealing 
mainly to the passions and prejudices of the Southern 
states; that the success of either faction must add fuel to 
the flame which now threatens to wrap our dearest inter- 
ests in a common ruin. 

Resolved, That the only remedy for an evil so appalling 
is to support a candidate pledged to neither of the geo- 
graphical sections nor arrayed in political antagonism, but 
holding both in a just and equal regard. We congratu- 
late the friends of the union that such a candidate exists 
in Millard Fillmore. 

Resolved, That, without adopting or referring to the 
peculiar doctrines of the party which has already selected 
Mr. Fillmore as a candidate, we look to him as a well-tried 
and faithful friend of the constitution and the union, 
eminent alike for his wisdom and firmness — for his justice 
and moderation in our foreign relations — calm and pacific 
temperament, so well becoming the head of a great nation 
— for his devotion to the constitution in its true spirit — his 
inflexibility in executing the laws; but, beyond all these 
attributes, in possessing the one transcendant merit of be- 
ing a representative of neither of the two sectional parties 
now struggling for political supremacy. 

Resolved, That in the present exigency of political 
affairs we are not called upon to discuss the subordinate 
questions of administration in the exercising of the con- 
stitutional powers of the government. It is enough to 
know that civil war is raging, and that the union is in 
peril; and we proclaim the conviction that the restoration 
of Mr. Fillmore to the presidency will furnish the best, if 
not the only means of restoring peace. 

1860. 

Republican Party. 

Resolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the 
Republican electors of the United States, in convention 
assembled, in discharge of the duty we owe to our constitu- 
ents and our country, unite in the following declarations: 

1. That the history of the nation during the last four 
years has fully established the propriety and necessity of 
the organization and perpetuation of the Republican party, 
and that the causes which called it into existence are per- 
manent in their nature, and now, more than ever before, 
demand its peaceful and constitutional triumph. 

2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated 
in the Declaration of Independence and embodied in the 
federal constitution, "That all men are created equal; that 



488 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienabl'* 
rights; that among- these are life, liberty and the pursuit 
of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are 
instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the 
consent of the governed," is essential to the preservation of 
our republican institutions; and that the federal constitu- 
tion, the rights of the states and the union of the states 
must and shall be preserved. 

3. That to the union of the states this nation owes its 
unprecedented increase in population, its surprising de- 
velopment of material resources, its rapid augmentation of 
wealth, its happiness at home and its honor abroad; and 
we hold in abhorrence all schemes for disunion, come from 
whatever source they may ; and we congratulate the coun- 
try that no Republican member of Congress has uttered or 
countenanced the threats of disunion so often made by 
Democratic members, without rebuke and wi'h applause 
from their political associates; and we denounce those 
threats of disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their 
ascendency, as denying the vi'al principles of a free gov- 
ernment, and as an avowal of contemplated treason, which 
it is the imperative duty of an indignant people sternly to 
rebuke and forever silence. 

4. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the 
states, aud especially the right of each state to order and 
control its own domestic ins itutions according to its own 
judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power 
on which the perfection and endurance of our political fab- 
ric depends; and we denounce the lawless invasion by 
armed force of ihe soil of any state or territory, no matter 
under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes. 

5. That the present Democratic adminis ration has far 
exceeded our worst apprehensions, in its measureless sub- 
serviency to the exactions of a sectional interest, as es- 
pecially evinced in its desperate exertions to force the in- 
famous Lecompton constitution upon the protesting people 
of Kansas; in construing the personal relations between 
master and servant to involve an unqualified property in 
persons; in its attempted enforcement everywhere, on land 
and sea, through the intervention of Congress and of the 
federal courts of the extreme pretensions of a purely local 
interest; and in its general and unvarying abuse of the 
power intrusted to it by a confiding people. 

6. That the people justly view with alarm the reckless 
extravagance which pervades every department of the fed- 
eral government; that a return to rigid economy and ac- 
countability is indispensable to arrest the systematic plun- 



REPUBLICAN, lS6o. 489 

der of the public treasury by favored partisans, while the 
recent startling- developments of frauds and corruptions at 
the federal metropolis show that an entire change of ad- 
ministration is imperatively demanded. 

7. That the new dogma, that the constitution of its own 
force carries slavery into any or all of the territories of 
the United States, is a dangerous political heresy, at vari- 
ance with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, 
with contemporaneous exposition, and with legislative and 
judicial precedent; is revolutionary in its tendency and sub- 
versive of the peace and harmony of the country. 

8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the 
United States is that of freedom; that as our republican 
fathers when they had abolished slavery in all our national 
territory ordained that '• no person should be deprived of 
life, liberty or property without due process of law," it be- 
comes our duty, by legislation, whenever such legislation 
is necessary, to maintain thio provision of the constitution 
against all attempts to violate it; and we deny the authori- 
ty of Congress, of a territorial legislature, or of any indi- 
viduals, to give legal existence to slavery in any territory 
of the United States. 

9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African 
slave trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by 
perversions of judicial t ower, as a crime against humanity 
and a burning shame to our country and age; and we call 
upon Congress to take prompt and efticient measures for 
the total and final suppression of tnat execrable trafiic. 

10. That in the recent vetoes by their federal governors 
of the acts of the legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, pro- 
hibiting slavery in those territories, we find a practical 
illustration of the boasted Democratic principle of non-in- 
tervention and popular sovereignty, embodied in the Kan- 
sas-Nebraska bill, and a demonstration of the deception 
and fraud involved therein. 

11. That KansJis should of right be immediately admit- 
ted as a state under the constitution recently formed and 
adopted by her people and accepted by the house of repre- 
sentatives. 

12. That, while providing revenue for the support of the 
general government by duties upon imports, sound policy 
requires such an adjustment of these imports as to en- 
courage the development of the industrial interests of the 
whole country; and we commend that policy of national ex- 
changes which secures to the workingmen liberal wages, 
to agriculture remunerative prices, to mechanics and man- 
ufacturers an adequate reward for their skill, labor and en- 



490 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

terprise, and to the nation commercial prosperity and in- 
dependence. 

13. That we protest against any sale or alienation to 
others of the public lands held by actual settlers, and 
against any view of the free homestead policy which re- 
gards the settlers as paupers or suppliants for public boun- 
ty ; and we demand the passage by Congress of the complete 
and satisfactory homestead measure which has already 
passed the house. 

14. That the Kepublican party is opposed to any change 
in our naturalization laws, or any state legislation by 
which the rights of citizenship hitherto accorded to immi- 
grants from foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired; 
and in favor of giving a full and eflficient protection to the 
rights of all classes of citizens, whether native or natural- 
ized, both at home and abroad. 

15. That appropriations by Congress for river and har- 
bor improvements of a national character, required for the 
accommodation and security of an existing commerce, are 
authorized by the constitution and justified by the obliga- 
tion of government to protect the lives and property of its 
citizens. 

16. That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively 
demanded by the interests of the whole country ; that the 
federal government ought to render immediate and efficient 
aid in its construction; and that, as preliminary thereto, a 
daily overland mail should be promptly established. 

17. Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive prin- 
ciples and views, we invite the co-operation of all citizens, 
however differing on other questions, who substantially 
agree with us in their affirmance and support. 

Democratic Party (Northern Wing). 

(The Democratic party met in convention in Charleston 
S. C, April 23d, but the difference between the northern 
and southern wings was so wide that the convention split 
and two conventions were consequently held in Baltimore^ 
the northern wing nominating Stephen A. Douglas, and the 
southern wing nominating John C. Breckinridge.) 

1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in 
convention assembled, hereby declare our affirmance of the 
resolutions unanimously adopted and declared as a plat- 
form of principles by the Democratic convention in Cincin- 
nati in the year 1856, believing that Democratic principles 
are unchangeable in their nature when applied to the same 



DEMOCRATIC (SOUTHERN WIXg), 1856. 49I 

subject matters, and we recommend, as the only further 
resolutions, the following-: — Inasmuch as differences of 
opinion exist in the Democratic party as to the nature and 
extent of the powers of a territorial legislature, and as to 
the powers and duties of Congress, under the constitution 
of the United States over the institution of slavery within 
the territories : 

2. Resolved, That the Democratic party will abide by the 
decisions of the supreme court of the United States on the 
questions of constitutional law. 

3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to 
afford ample and complete protection to all its citizens, 
whether at home or abroad, and whether native or foreign. 

4. Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age, in a 
military, commercial, and postal point of view, is speedy 
communication between the Atlantic and Pacific states; 
and tlie Democratic party pledge such constitutional gov- 
ernment aid as will insure the construction of a railroad to 
the Pacific coast at the earliest practicable period. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of 
the acquisition of the island of Cuba on such terms as shall 
be honorable to ourselves and just to Spain. 

6. Resolved, That the enactments of state legislatures to 
defeat the faithful execution of the fugitive slave law are 
hostile in character, subversive of the constitution, and 
revolutionary in their effect. 

7. Resolved, That it is in accordance with the true inter- 
pretation of the Cincinnati platform that during the ex- 
istence of the territorial governments the measures of 
restriction, whatever it may be, imposed by the federal 
constitution on the power of the territorial legislature 
over the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has 
been, or shall hereafter be, finally determined by the su- 
preme court of the United States, should be respected by 
all good citizens and enforced with promptness and fidelity 
by every branch of the general government. 

The Democratic convention met in Charleston, S. C, 
April 23; 1860. The convention after fifty-seven ballots 
adjourned without nominating candidates. 

Democratic Party (Southern Wing). 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by the Democratio 
party at Cincinnati be affirmed, with the following ex- 
planatory resolutions: 

1. That the government of a territory organized by an 
act of Congress is provisional and temporary, and during 



49^ 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



its existence all citizens of the United States have an* equal 
right to settle with their property in the territory, with- 
out their right, either of person or property, being de- 
stroyed or impaired by congressional or territorial legisla- 
tion. 

2. That it is the duty of' the federal government, in all 
its departments, to protect when necessary the rights of 
persons and property in the territories and wherever els« 
its constitutional authority extends. 

3. That when the settlers in a territory, having an ade- 
quate y^opulation, form a state constitution, tlie right of 
sovereignty commences, and being consumma<^ed by admis- 
sion into the union, they stand on an equal footing with 
the people of other states; and the sta e thus organized 
ought to be admitted into the federal union, whether its 
constitution prohibits or recognizes the institution of 
slavery. 

4. That the Democratic party are in favor of the ac- 
quisition of the island of Cuba on such terms as shall be 
honorable to ourselves and just to Spain, at the earliest 
practicable moment. 

5. That the enactments of the state legislatures to defeat 
the faithful execution of the fugitive slave law are hostile 
in character, subversive of the constitution and revolution- 
ary in their effect. 

6. The Democracy of the United States recognize it as 
the impera ive duty of this government to protect the 
naturalized citizen in all his rights, whether at home or in 
foreign lands, to the same extent as its native-born citi- 
zens. 

Whereas, One of the greatest necessities of the age, in a 
political, commercial, postal and military point of view, is a 
speedy communication between the Pacific and Ailantio 
coasts, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the national Democratic party do hereby 
pledge themselves to use every means in their power to 
secure the passage of some bill, to the extent of the consti- 
tutional authority of Congress, for the construction of a 
Pacific railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacifio 
Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment. 

Constitutional Union Party. 

This was a continuation of the American party. 

Whereas, Experience has demonstrated that platforms 
adopted by the partisan conventions of the country hav« 
had the effect to mislead and deceive the people and at th» 
same time to widen the political divisions of the country^ 



REPUBLICAN ( REGULAR), 1S64. 493 

by the creation and encouragement of geographical and 
sectional parties; therefore, 

Resolved, That it is both part of patriotism and of duty to 
recognize no political principles other than the constitu- 
tion of the country the union of the states, and the en- 
forcement of the laws; and that as representatives of the 
constitutional union men of the country, in national con- 
vention assembled we hereby pledge ourselves to maintain, 
protect and defend, separately and unitedly, these great 
principles of public liberty and national safety against all 
enemies at home and abroad, believing that thereby peace 
may once more be restored to the country ; the rights of the 
people and of the states re-established, and the government 
again placed in that condition of justice, fraternity and 
equality which under the example and constitution of our 
fathers has solemnly bound every citizen of the United 
States to maintain a more perfect union, establish justice, 
insure domestic tranquillity, provide for common defense, 
promote the general welfare, and secure t))e blessings of 
liberty to ourselves and our posterity. 

j864. 

Republican Party (Regular). 

1. Resolved, That it is the highest duty of every Amer^ 
can citizen to maintain against all their enemies the inte^" 
rity of the union and the paramount authority of The con- 
stitution and laws of the United States; and that, laying 
aside all differences of political opinions, we pledge our- 
selves as union men, animated by a common sentiment, and 
aiming at a common object, to do everything in our power 
to aid the government in quelling by force of arms the re- 
bellion now raging against its authority, and in bringing 
to the punishment due to their crimes the rebels and 
traitors arrayed against it. 

2. Resolved, That we approve the determination of the 
government of the United States not to compromise with 
rebels, or to offer them any terms of peace except such as 
may be based upon an unconditional surrender of their 
hostility and a return to their just allegiance to the consti- 
tution and laws of the United States; and that we call upon 
the government to maintain this position and to prosecute 
the war with the utmost possible vigor to the complete sup- 
pression of the rebellion, in full reliance upon the self- 
sacrificing patriotism, the heroic valor and the undying 
devotion of the American people to the country and its 
free institutions. 

3. Resolved, That as slavery was the cause, and now con- 



494 '^^^^ NATIONAL rLATFOKxMS. 

stitutes the strength of this rebellion, and as it must be 
always and everywhere hostile to the principles of republi- 
can government, justice and the national safety demand its 
utter and complete extirpation from the soil of the repub- 
lic; and that while we uphold and maintain the acts and 
proclamations by which the government, in its own defense, 
has aimed a death-blow at this gigantic evil, we are in fa- 
vor furthermore of such an amendment to the constitution, 
to be made by the people in conformity with itb provisions, 
as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of 
slavery within the limits of the jurisdiction of the United 
States. 

4. Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are 
<due to the soldiers and sailors of the army and navy who 
tiave periled their lives in defense of the country and in 
vindication of the honor of its flag; that the nation owes to 
■them some permanent recognition of their patriotism and 
their valor, and ample and permanent provision for those 
of their survivors who have received disabling and honora- 
ble wounds in the service of the coun ry; and that the 
memories of those who have fallen in its defense shall be 
lield in grateful and everlasting remembrance. 

5. Resolved, That we approve and applaud the practical 
^visdom, the unselfish patriotism, and the unswerving fidel- 
ity to the constitution and the principles of American lib- 
erty with which Abraham Lincoln has discharged, under 
-circumstances of unparalleled difiiculty, the great duties 
and responsibilities of the presidential office; that we ap- 
prove and indorse as demanded by the emergency and 
-essential to the preservation of the nation, and as within 
the provisions of the constitution, the measures and acts 
which he has adopted to defend the nation against its open 
and secret foes; that we approve especially the proclama- 
tion of emancipation and the employment as union soldiers 
<of men heretofore held in slavery ^ and that we have full 
•confidence in his determination to carry these and all other 
constitutional measures essential to the salvation of the 
country into full and complete effect. 

6. Resolved, That we deem it essential to the general 
welfare that harmony should prevail in the national coun- 
cils, and we regard as worthy of public confidence and ofii- 
cial trust those only who cordially indorse the principles 
proclaimed in these resolutions, and which should charac- 
terize the administration of the government. 

7. Resolved, That the government owes to all men em- 
ployed in its armies, without regard to distinction of color, 
the full protection of the laws of war; and that any viola- 



DEMOCRATIC, 1864. 49=^ 

tion of these laws, or of the usages of civilized nations ia 
time of war by the rebels now in arms, should be made the 
subject of prompt and full redress. 

8. Resolved, That foreign immigration, which in the 
past has added so much to the wealth, development of re- 
sources, and increase of power to the nation — the asylum of 
the oppre ssed of all nations — should be fostered and en- 
couraged by a liberal and just policy. 

9. Resolved, That we are in favor of the speedy con- 
struction of the railroad to the Pacific coast. 

10. Resolved, That the national faith, pledged for the 
redemption of the public debt, must be kept inviolate, and 
that for this purpose we recommend economy and rigid 
responsibility in the public expenditures, and a vigorous 
and just system of taxation; and that it is the duty of ev- 
ery loyal state to sustain the credit and promote the use of 
the national currency. 

11. Resolved, That we approve the position taken by the 
government that the people of the United States can never 
regard with indifference the attempt of any Europeare 
power to overthrow by force, or to supplant by fraud, the 
institutions of any republican government on the westerns 
continent; and tl at they will view with extreme jealousy^ 
as menacing to the peace and independence of their own 
country, the efforts of any such power to obtain new foot- 
holds for monarchial governments, sustained by foreiga 
military force, in near proximity to the United States. 

Democratic Party. 

Resolved, That in the future as in the past, we will ad- 
here with unswerving fidelity to the union under the con- 
stitution as the only solid foundation of our strength,, 
security and happiness as a people, and as a framework of 
government equally conducive to the welfare and prosper- 
ity of all the States, both northern and southern. 

Resolved, That this convention does explicitly declare, as 
the sense of the American people, that after four years of 
failure to restore the union by the experiment of war, dur- 
ing which, under the pretense of a military necessity of 
war-power higher than the constitution, the constitution! 
itself has been disregarded in every part, and public liber- 
ty and private right alike trodden down, and the material 
prosperity of the country essentially impaired, justice, hu- 
manity, liberty, and the public welfare demand that imme- 
diate efi'orts be made for a cessation of hostilities, with a 
view to the ultimate convention of the states, or other 
peaceable means, to the end that, at the earliest practicable 



496 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

moment, peace may be restored on the basis of the federal 
union of the states. 

Resolved, That the direct interference of the military au- 
thorities of the United States in the recent elections held 
in Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri and Delaware was a 
shameful violation of the constitution, and a repetition of 
such acts in the approaching- election will be held as revo- 
lutionary and resisted with all the means and power under 
our control. 

Resolved, That the aim and object of the Democratic 
party is to preserve the federal union and the rights of the 
states unimpaired, and they hereby dec^lare that they con- 
sider that the administrative usurpation of extraordinary 
and dangerous powers not granted by the constitution — the 
subversion of the civil by military law in states not in in- 
surrection; the arbitrary military arrest, imprisonment, 
trial, and sentence of American citizens in states where 
civil law exists in full force; the suppression of freedom of 
speech and of the press; the denial of the right of asylum; 
the open and avowed disregard of state rights; the employ- 
ment of unusual test oaths; and the interference with and 
denial of the right of the people to bear arms in their de- 
fense is calculated to prevent a restoration of the union 
and the perpetuation of a government deriving its just 
powers from the consent of the governed. 

Resolved, That the shameful disregard of the administra- 
tion to its duty in respect to our fellow-citizens who now 
are and long have been prisoners of war in a suffering con- 
dition deserves the severest reprobation on the score alike 
of public policy and common humaniry. 

Resolved, That the sympathy of the Democratic party is 
heartily and earnestly extended to the soldiers of our army 
and sailors of our navy, w^ho are and have been in the field 
and on the sea under'the flag of our country, and in the 
event of its attaining pow«r they will receive all the care, 
protection, and regard that the brave soldiers and sailors 
of the republic have so nobly earned. 

Republican Party (Radical). 

The radical Republicans -were in favor of more extreme 
measures in dealing with the South, and met at Cleveland, 
May 31, nominating John C. Fremont for president. He 
afterwards withdrew and recommended the support of 
the regular Republican ticket (Lincoln and Johnson), 
which was done. 

1. That the federal union shall be preserved. 



REPUBLICAN, 1868. 497 

2. That the constitution and laws of the United States 
must be observed and obeyed. 

3. Tliat the rebellion must be suppressed by force of 
arms and without compromise. 

4. That the rights of free speech, free press and habeas 
corpus be held inviolate, save in districts where martial 
law has been proclaimed. 

5. That the rebellion has destroyed slavery; and the fed- 
eral constitution should be so amended as to prohibit its 
re-establishment, and to secure to all men absolute equality 
before the law. 

6. That integrity and -economy are demanded at all 
times in the administration of the government, and that 
in time of war the want of them is criminal. 

7. That the right of asylum, except for crime and subject 
to law, is a recognized principle of American liberty; and 
that any violation of it cannot be overlooked, and must not 
go un rebuked. 

8. That the national policy known as the "Monroe Doc- 
trine" has become a recognized j)rinciple; and that the 
establishment of any anti-republican government on this 
continent by any foreign power cannot be tolerated. 

9. That the gratitude and support of the nation are due 
to the faithful soldiers and the earnest leaders of the union 
army and navy for their heroic achievements and deathless 
valor in defense of our imperiled country and civil liberty. 

10. That the one-term policy for the presidency adopted 
by the people is strengthened by the force of the existing 
crisis, and should be maintained by constitutional amend- 
ment, 

11. That the constitution should be so amended that the 
president and vice-president shall be elected by a direct 
vote of the people. 

12. That the question of the reconstruction of the rebel- 
lious states belongs to the people, through their represen- 
tatives m Congress, and not to the executive. 

lb. That the confiscation of the lands of the rebels and 
their distribution among the soldiers and actual settlers is 
a measure of justice. 

I8G8, 

Eefublican Party. 
The national Republican party of the United States, 
assembled in national convention m the city of Chicago, on 
Che 21st da^ ol May 1868 make the following declaration 
•of principles 



498 



THE NATlOiNAI. PLATFORMS. 



1. We congratulate the country on the assured success 
of the reconstruction policy of Congress, as evinced by the 
adoption, in the majority of the states lately in rebellion, 
of constitutions securing equal civil and political rights 
to all; and it is the duty of the government to sustain those 
institutions and prevent the people of such states fron> 
being remitted to a state of anarchy. 

2. The guaranty by Congress of equal suffrage to all 
loyal men at the South w^as demanded by every considera- 
tion of public safety, of gratitude, and of justice, and must 
be maintained; while the question of suffrage in all the 
loyal states properly belongs to.the people of those states. 

3. We denounce all forms of repudiation as a national 
crime; and the national honor requires the payment of the 
public indebtedness in the uttermost good faith to all 
creditors at home and abroad, not only according to the 
letter, but the spirit of the laws under which it was con- 
tracted. 

4. It is due to the labor of the nation that taxation 
should be equalized and reduced as rapidly as the national 
faith will permit. 

5. The national debt, contracted as it has been for the 
preservation of the union for all time to come, should be 
extended over a fair period for redemption; and it is the 
duty of Congress to reduce the rate of interest thereon 
whenever it can be honestly done. 

6. That the best policy to diminish our burden of debts 
is to so improve our credit that capitalists will seek to 
loan us money at lower rates of interest than we novy pay 
and must continue to pay so long as repudiation, partial or 
total, open or covert, is threatened or suspected. 

7. The government of the United States should be ad- 
ministered with the strictest economy ; and the corruptions 
which have been so shamefully nursed and fostered by An- 
drew Johnson call loudly for radical reform. 

8. We profoundly deplore the untimely and tragic death 
of Abraham Lincoln, and regret the accession to the presi- 
dency of Andrew Johnson, who has acted treacherously to 
the people who elected him and the cause he was pledged 
to support; who has usurped high legislative and judicial 
functions; who has refused to execute the laws; who has 
used his high ofhce to induce other officers to ignore and 
violate the laws; who has employed his executive powers to 
render insecure the property, the peace, liberty and life of 
the citizen; who has abused the pardoning power; who has 
denounced the national legislature as unconstitutional; 
who has persistently and corruptly resisted^ by every 



REPUBLICAN, lS68. 4^1^ 

means in his power, every proper attempt at the recon- 
struction of the states lately in rebellion ; who has pervert- 
ed the public patronage into an engine of wholesale corrup- 
tion ; and who has been justly impeached for high crimes 
and misdenjeanors, and properly pronounced guilty thereof 
by the vote of thirty-five senators. 

9. The doctrine of Great Britain and other European 
powers, that because a man is once a subject he is always 
so, must be resisted at every hazard by the United States, 
as a relic of feudal times, not authorized by the laws of na- 
tions, and at war with our national honor and independ- 
ence. Naturalized citizens are entitled to protection in all 
their rights of citizenship as though they were native- 
born; and no citizen of the United States, native or natur- 
alized, must be liable to arrest and imprisonment by any 
foreign power for acts done or words spoken in this coun- 
try ; and if so arrested and imprisoned it is the duty of the 
government to interfere in his behalf. 

10. Of all who were faithful in the trials of the late war 
there were none entitled to more especial honor than the 
brave soldiers and seamen who endured the hardships of 
campaign and cruise, and imperiled their lives in the ser- 
vice of the country; the bounties and pensions provided by 
the laws for these brave defenders of the nation are obliga- 
tions never to be forgotten; the widows and orphans of the 
gallant dead are the wards of the people — a sacred legacy 
bequeathed to the nation's protecting care. 

11. Foreign immigration, which in the past has added so 
much to the wealth, development, and resources and in- 
crease of power to this republic, the asylum of the op- 
pressed of all nations, should be fostered and encouraged 
by a liberal and just policy. 

12. This convention declares itself in sympathy with all 
oppressed people struggling for their rights. 

13. That we highly commend the spirit of magnanimity 
and forbearance with which men who have served in the 
rebellion, but who now frankly and honestly co-operate 
with us in restoring the peace of the country and recon- 
structing the Southern state governments upon the basis 
of impartial justice and equal rights, are received back into 
the communion of the loyal people; and we favor the re- 
moval of the disqualifications and restrictions imposed 
upon the late rebels in the same measure as the spirit of 
disloyalty will die out, and as may be consistent with the 
safety of the loyal people. 

14. That we recognize the great principles laid down in 
the immortal Declaration of Tudcpendeuce as the true 



500 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



foundation of democratic government; and we hail with 
gladness every effort toward making these principles a 
living reality on every inch of American soil. 

Democratic Party. 
The Democratic party in national convention assembled, 
reposing its trust in the intelligence, patriotism, and dis- 
criminating justice of the people, standing upon the con- 
stitution as the foundation and limitation of the powers of 
the government, and the guarantee of the liberties of the 
citizen, and recognizing the questions of slavery and seces- 
sion as having been settled for all time to come by the war 
or the voluntary action of the Southern states in constitu- 
tional conventions assembled, and never to be renewed or 
reagitated, do, with the return of peace, demand : 

1. Immediate restoration of all the states to their rights 
in the union under the constitution, and of civil govern- 
ment to the American people. 

2. Amnesty for all pasr political offenses, and the regu- 
lation of the elective franchise in the states by their citi- 
zens. 

3. Payment of the public debt of the United States as 
rapidly as practicable; all moneys drawn from the people 
by taxation, except so much as is requisite for the necessi- 
ties of the government, economically administered, being 
honestly applied to such payment, and where the obliga- 
tions of the government do not expressly state upon their 
face, or the law under which they were issued does not 
provide that they shall be paid in coin, they ought in right 
and in justice to be paid in the lawful money of the United 
States. 

4. Equal taxation of every species of property actording 
to its real value, including government bonds and other 
public securities. 

5. One currency for the government and the people, the 
laborer and the office-holder, the pensioner and the soldier, 
the producer and the bondholder. 

6. Economy in the administration of the government; 
the reduction of the standing army and navy; the abolition 
of the freedmen's bureau and all political instrumentalities 
designed to secure negro supremacy; simplification of the 
system, and discontinuance of inquisitorial modes of assess- 
ing and collecting internal revenue, so that the burden of 
taxation may be equalized and lessened; the credit of the 
government and the curiency made good; the repeal of all 
enactments for enrolling the state militia into national 
forces in time of peace; and a tariff for revenue upon for- 



DEMOCRATIC, 1868. 5OI 

eign imports, and such equal taxation under the internal 
revenue laws as will afford incidental protection to domes- 
tic manufacturers, and as will without impairing- the reve- 
nue impose the least burden upon and best promote and 
encourage the great industrial interests of the country. 

7. Reform of abuses in the administration, the expulsion 
of corrupt men from office, the abrogation of useless offices, 
the restoration of rightful authority to, and the independ- 
ence of the executive and judicial departments of the 
government, the subordination of the military to the civil 
power, to the end that the usurpations of Congress and 
despotism of the sword may cease. 

8. Equal rights and protection for naturalized and 
native-born citizens at home and abroad, the assertion^of 
American nationality which shall command the respect of 
foreign powers and furnish an example and encourage- 
ment to people struggling for national integrity, constitu- 
tional liberty, and individual rights and the maintenance 
of the rights of naturalized citizens against the absolute 
doctrine of immutable allegiance, and the claims of for- 
eign powers to punish them for alleged crime committed 
beyond their jurisdiction. 

In demanding these measures and reforms we arraign 
the radical party for its disregard of right and the unpar- 
alleled oppression and tyranny which have marked its 
career. After the most solemn and unanimous pledge of 
both houses of Congress to prosecute the war exclusively 
for the maintenance of the government and the preserva- 
tion of the union under the constitution, it has repeatedly 
violated that most sacred pledge under which alorie was 
rallied that noble volunteer army which carried our flag to 
victory. Instead of restoring the union, it has, so far as in 
its power, dissolved it, and subjected ten states in time of 
profound peace to military despotism and negro suprem- 
acy. It has nullified there the right of trial by jury ; it has 
abolished the habeas corpus, that most sacred writ of liber- 
ty; it has overthrown the freedom of speech and the press; 
it has substituted arbitrary seizures and arrests and mili- 
tary trials and secret star-chamber inquisitions for thf* con- 
stitutional tribunals; it J as disregarded in time of peace 
the right of the people to be free from searches and seizures ; 
it has entered the post and telegraph offices, and even the 
private rooms of individuals, and seized their private pa- 
pers and letters without any specific charge or notice of 
affidavit, as required by the organic law; it has converted 
the American capitol into a bastile; it has established a 
system of spies and official espionage to which no constitu- 



502 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

tional monarchy of Europe would now dare to resort; it has 
abolished the right of appeal on important constitutional 
questions to the supreme judicial tribunals, and threatens 
to curtail or destroy its original jurisdiction, which is irrev- 
ocably vested by the constitution, while the learned 
chief justice has been subjected to the most atrocious 
calumnies, merely because he would not prostitute his high 
office to the support of the false and partisan charges pre- 
ferred against the president. Its corruption and extrava- 
gance have exceeded anything known in history and by its 
frauds and monopolies it has nearly doubled the burden of 
the debt created by the war. It has stripped the president 
of his constitutional power of appointment even of his own 
cabinet. Under its repeated assaults the pillars of the 
government are rocking on their base, and should it succeed 
in November next and inaugurate its president we will 
meet as a subjected and conquered people, amid the ruins 
of liberty and the scattered fragments of the constitution. 

And we do declare and resolve that ever since the people 
of the United States threw off all subjection to the British 
crown the privilege and trust of suffrage have belonged to 
the several states, and have been granted, regulated and 
controlled exclusively by the political power of each state 
respectively, and that any a tempt by Congress on any pre- 
text whatever to deprive any state of this right or interfere 
with its exercise is a flagrant usurpation of power which 
can iind no warrant in the constitution, and, if sanctioned 
by the people, will subvert our form of government, and 
can only end in a single, centralized and consolidated gov- 
ernment, in which the separate existence of the states will 
be entirely absorbed, and an unqualified despotism be es- 
tablished in place of a federal union of co-equal states. 

And that we regard the reconstruction acts (so-called) of 
Congress as such, as usurpations and unconstitutional, 
revolutionary and void. That our soldiers and sailors, who 
carried the flag of our country to victory against a most 
gallant and determined foe, must ever be gratefully remem- 
bered, and all the guarantees given in their favor must be 
faithfully carried into execution. 

That the public lands should be distributed as widely as 
possible among the people, and should be disposed of either 
under the pre-emption of homestead lands or sold in rea- 
sonable quantities, and to none but actual occupants, at the 
minimum price established by the government. When 
grants of the public lands may be allowed, necessary foF 
the encouragement of important public improvements, the 



REPUBLICAN ( REGULAR), 1872. 503 

proceeds of the sale of such lands, and not the lands them- 
selves, should be so applied. 

That the president of the United States, Andrew John- 
son, in exercising the power of his high office in resisting 
the aggressions of Congress upon the constitutional rights 
of the states and the people, is entitled to the gratitude of 
the whole American people, and in behalf of the Demo- 
cratic party we tender him our thanks for his patriotic 
efforts in that regard. 

Upon this platform the Democratic party appeal to every 
patriot, including all the conservative element and all who 
desire to support the constitution and restore the union, 
forgetting all past differences of opinion, to unite with us 
in the present great struggle for the liberties of the people; 
and that to all such, to whatever party they may have here- 
tofore belonged, we extend the right hand of fellowship, 
and hail all such co-operating with us as friends and breth- 
ren. 

Resolved, That this convention sympathize cordially 
with the workingmen of the United States in their efforts 
to protect the rights and interests of the laboring^classes 
of the country. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the convention are tendered 
to Chief Justice Salmon P.Chase for the justice, dignity 
and impartiality with which he presided over the court of 
impeachment on the trial of President Andrew Johnson. 

1872, 

""""^^^ Republican" Party (Regular). 

The Republican party of the United States assembled in 
national convention in the city of Philadelphia on the 5th 
and 6th days of June, 1872, again declares its faith, appeals 
to its history and announces its position upon the ques- 
tions before the country. 

1. During eleven years of supremacy it has accepted 
with grand courage the solemn duties of the time. It sup- 
pressed a gigantic rebellion, emancipated four millions of 
slaves, decreed the equal citizenship of all, and established 
universal suffrage. Exhibiting unparalleled magnanimity, 
it criminally punished no man for political offenses, and 
warmly welcomed all who proved loyalty by obeying the 
laws and dealing justly with their neighbors. It has stead- 
ily decreased with firm hand the resultant disorders of a 
great war and initiated a wise and humane policy toward 
the Indians. The Pacific railroad and similar vast enter- 
prises have been generously aided and successfully con- 
ducted, the public lands freely given to actual settlers, im- 



504 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

migration protected and encouraged, and a full acknowl- 
edgment of the naturalized citizen's rights secured from 
European powers. A uniform national currency has been 
provided, repudiation frowned down, the national credit 
sustained under the most extraordinary burdens, and new 
bonds negotiated at lower rates. The revenues have been 
carefully collected and honesfly applied. Despite annual 
large reductions in the rates of taxation, the public debt 
has been reduced during General Grant's presidency at the 
ra'eof a hundred millions a year, great financial crises 
have been avoided and peace and plenty prevail through- 
out the land. Menacing foreign difficulties have been 
peacefully and honorably composed, and the honor and 
power of the nation kept in high respect throughout the 
world. This glorious record of the past is the party's best 
pledge for the future. We believe the people will not in- 
trust the government to any party or combination of men 
composed chiefly of those who have resisted every step of 
this beneficent progress, 

2. The recent amendments to the national constitution 
should «be cordially sustained because they are right not 
merely tolerated because they are law, and should be car- 
ried out according to their spirit by appropriate legislation, 
the enforcement of which can safely be entrusted only to 
the party that secured those amendments, 

3. Complete liberty and exact equality in the enjoyment 
of all civil, political and public rights should be established 
and effectually maintained throughout the union by effi- 
cient and appropriate state and federal legislation. Neither 
the law nor its administration should admit any discrimin- 
ation in respect of citizens by reason of race, creed, color 
or previous condition of servitude. 

4. The national government should seek to maintain 
honorable peace with all nations, protecting its citizens 
everywhere and sympathizing with all people who strive 
for greater liberty. 

5. Any system of the civil service under which the 
subordinate positions of the government are considered 
rewards for mere party zeal is fatally demoralizing, and we 
therefore favor a reform of the system by laws which shall 
abolish the evils of patronage and make honesty, efficiency 
and fidelity the essential qualifications for public positions 
without practically creating a life tenure of office. 

6. We are opposed to further grants of the public lands 
to corporations and monopolies, and demand that the na- 
tional domain be set apart for free homes for the people. 

7. The annual revenue, after paying curreat expendi- 



REPUBLICAN (rEGULAr), 1872. 505 

tures, pensions and the interest on the public debt, should 
furnish a moderate balance for the reduction of the princi- 
pal, and that revenue, except so much as maybe derived 
from a tax on tobacco and liquors, should be raised by du- 
ties upon importations, the details of which should be so 
adjusted as to aid in securing remunerative wages to labor, 
and promote the industries, prosperity and growth of the 
whole country. 

8. We hold in undying honor the soldiers and sailors 
whose valor saved the union. Their pensions are a sacred 
debt of the nation, and the widows and orphans of those 
who died for their country are entitled to the care of a 
generous and grateful people. We favor such additional 
legislation as will extend the bounty of the government to 
all our soldiers and sailors who were honorably discharged, 
and who in the line of duty became disabled, without re- 
gard to the length of service or the cause of such dis- 
charge. 

9. The doctrine of Great Britain and other European 
powers concerning allegiance — "once a subject always a 
subject" — having at last through the efforts of the Republi- 
can party been abandoned, and the American idea of the 
individual's right to transfer allegiance having been ac- 
cepted by European nations, it is the duty of our govern- 
ment to guard with jealous care the rights of adopted citi- 
zens against the assumption of unauthorized claims by 
their former governments, and we urge continued careful 
encouragement and protection of voluntary immigration. 

10. The franking privilege ought to be abolished and 
the way prepared for a speedy reduction in the rates of 
postage. 

11. Among the questions which press for attention is 
that which concerns the relations of capital and labor, and 
the Republican party recognizes the duty of so shapiuij:- 
legislation as to secure fall protection and the amplest 
field for capital and for labor, the creator of capital, the 
largest opportunities and a just share of the mutual profits 
of these two great servants of civilization. 

12. We hold that Congress and the president hr.ve only 
fulfilled an imperative duty jn their measures for the sup- 
pression of violent and treasonable organizations in certain 
lately rebellious regions, and for the protection of the bal- 
lot-box; and therefore they are entitled to the thanks of the 
nation, 

13. We denounce repudiation of the public debt in any 
form or disguise as a national crime. We witness with 
pride the reduction of the principal of the debt and of the 



506 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

rates of interest upon the balance, and confidently expect 
that our excellent national currency will be perfected by a 
speedy resumption of specie payment. 

14. The Republican party is mindful of its obligations 
to the loyal women of America for their noble devotion to 
the cause of freedom. Their admission to wider fields of 
usefulness is viewed with satisfaction; and the honest de- 
mand of any class of citizens for additional rights should be 
treated with respectful consideration. 

15. We heartily approve the action of Congress in ex- 
tending amnesty to those lately in rebellion and rejoice in 
the growth of peace and fraternal feeling throughout the 
land. 

16. The Republican party proposes to respect the rights 
reserved by the people to themselves as carefully as the 
powers delegated by them to the state and to the federal 
government. It disapproves of the resort to unconstitu- 
tional laws for the purpose of removing evils by interfer- 
ence with rights not surrendered by the people to either 
the state or national government. 

17. It is the duty of the general government to adopt 
such measures as may tend to encourage and restore Ameri- 
can commerce and ship-building. 

18. We believe that the modest patriotism, the earnest 
purpose, the sound judgment, the practical wisdom, the in- 
corruptible integrity and the illustrious services of Ulysses 
S. Grant have commended him to the hearts of the Ameri- 
can people, and with him at Our head we start to-day upon 
a new march to victory. 

19. Henry Wilson, nominated for the vice-presidency, 
known to the whole land from the early days of the great 
struggle for liberty as an indefatigable laborer in all cam- 
paigns, an incorruptible legislator and representative ma« 
of American institutions, is worthy to associate with our 
great leader and share the honors which we pledge our 
best efforts to bestow upon them. 

Republican Party (Liberal). 
A branch of the Republican party favoring more liberal 
views of reconstruction met at Cincinnati May 1st, nomi- 
nated Horace Greely and B. Gratz Brown, and adopted the 
following platform : 

We, the Liberal Republicans of the United States, in na- 
tional convention assembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the 
following principles as essential to just government : 

1. We recognize the equality of all men before the law 



REPUBLICAN (lIBERAl), 1872. 507 

and hold that it is the duty of government in its dealings 
with the people to mete out equal and exact justice to all, 
of whatever nativity, race, color, or persuasion, religious or 
political. 

2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the union of these 
states, emancipation and enfranchisement, and to oppose 
any reopening of the questions settled by the thirteenth, 
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments to the constitution. 

3. We demand the immediate and absolute removal of 
all disabilities imposed on account of the rebellion, which 
was finally subdued seven years ago, believing that uni- 
versal amnesty will result in complete pacification in all 
sections of the country. 

4. Local self-government, with impartial suffrage, will 
guard the rights of all citizens more securely than any cen- 
tralized power. The public welfare requires the supremacy 
of the civil over the military authority, and freedom of 
persons under the protection of the habeas corpus. We 
demand for the individual the largest liberty consistent 
with public order; for the state self-government, and for 
the nation a return to the methods of peace and the consti- 
tutional limitations of power. 

5. The civil service of the government has become a 
mere instrument of partisan tyranny and personal am- 
bition and object of selfish greed. It is a scandal and re- 
proach upon free institutions, and breeds a demoralization 
dangerous to the perpetuity of republican government. 
We therefore regard a thorough reform of the civil service 
as one of the most pressing necessities of the hour; that 
honesty, capacity and fidelity constitute the only valid 
claim to public employment; that the offices of the govern- 
ment cease to be a matter of arbitrary favoritism and 
patronage, and that public station become again a post of 
honor. To this end it is imperatively required that no 
president shall be a candidate for re-election. 

6. We demand a system of federal taxation which shall 
not unnecessarily interfere with the industry of the people, 
and which shall provide the means necessary to pay the 
expenses of the government economically administered, 
the pensions, the interest on the public debt and a moderate 
reduction annually of the principal thereof; and recogniz- 
ing that there are in our midst honest, but irreconcilable 
differences of opinion with regard to the respective sys- 
tems of protection and free trade, we remit the discussion 
of the subject to the people in their congressional district's, 
and to the decision of the Congress thereon, wholly free 
from executive interference or dictation. 



5o8 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



7. The public credit must be sacredly maintained, and 
we denounce repudiation in every form and guise. 

8. A speedy return to specie payment is demanded alike 
by the highest considerations of commercial morality and 
honest government. 

9. We remember with gratitude the herT)ism and sacri- 
fices of the soldiers and sailors of the republic, and no act 
of ours shall ever detract from their justly earned fame for 
the full reward of their patriotism. 

10. We are opposed to all further grants of lands to 
railroads or other corporations. The public domain should 
be held sacred to actual settlers. 

11. We hold that it is the duty of the government in its 
intercourse with foreign nations to cultivate the friend- 
ships of peace by treating with all on fair and equal terms, 
regarding it alike dishonorable either to demand what is 
not right or to submit to what is wrong. 

12. For the promotion and success of these vital princi- 
ples, and the support of the candidates nominated by this 
convention, we invite and cordially welcome the co-opera- 
tion of all patriotic citizens without regard to previous 
political affiliations. 

Democratic Party (Regular). 
The regular Democratic convention was held at Balti- 
more, July 9th, and endorsed the platform and nominees of 
the Liberal Republican convention. 

Democratic Party (Straight Out). 

A portion of the Democratic party, not approving the 
fusion with the Libera? Republicans, met at Louisville, 
September 3d, and nominated Charles O'Connor and John 
Quincy Adams (both of whom afterwards declined) and 
adopted the following platform : 

Whereas, A frequent recurrence to first principles and 
eternal vigilance against abuses are the wisest provisions 
for liberty, which is the source of progress, and fidelity to 
our constitutional system is the only protection for either; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That the original basis of our whole political 
structure is consent in every part thereof. The people of 
each state voluntarily created their state, and the states 
voluntarily formed the union; and each state provided by 
its written constitution for everything a state could do for 



LABOR REFORM, 1872. 509 

the protection of life, liberty and property within it; and 
each state, jointly with the others, provided a federal union 
for foreign and inter-state relations. 

Resolved, That all governmental powers, whether state or 
federal, are trust powers coming from the people of each 
state, and that they are limited to the written letter of the 
constitution and the laws passed in pursuance of it; which 
powe-rs must be exercised in the utmost good faith, the 
constitution itself stating in what manner they may be 
altered and amended. 

Resolved, That the interests of labor and capital should 
not be permitted to conflict, but should be harmonized by 
judicious legislation. While such a conflict continues, la- 
bor, which is the parent of wealth, is entitled to paramount 
consideration. 

Resolved, That we proclaim to the world that principle is 
to be preferred to pt)wer; that the Democratic party is 
held together by the cohesion of time-honored principles, 
which they will never surrender in exchange for all the 
offices which presidents can confer. The pangs of the mi- 
norities are doubtless excruciating; but we welcome an 
eternal minority under the banner inscribed with our prin- 
ciples rather than an almighty and everlasting majority 
purchased by their abandonment. 

Resolved, That, having been betrayed at Baltimore into 
a false creed and a false leadership by the convention, we 
repudiate both, and appeal to the people to approve our 
platform and to rally to the fold and support the true plat- 
form and the candidates who embody it. 

Labor Reform Party. 

The convention was held at Columbus, O., February.21st 
and 22d. David Davis and Joel Parker were nominated, 
but declined, and O'Connor and Adams were afterward en- 
dorsed. They adopted the following platform : 

We hold that all political power is inherent in the people, 
and free government founded on their authority and estab- 
lished for their benefit; that all citizens are equal in politi- 
cal rights, entitled to the largest religious and political 
liberty compatible with the good order of society, as also 
the use and enjoyment of the fruits of their labor and 
talents; and no man or set of men is entitled to exclusive 
separable endowments and privileges, or immunities from 
the government, but in consideration of public services; 
and any laws destructive of these fundamental principles 



510 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

are without moral binding force, and should be repealed. 
And believing that all the evils resulting from unjust legis- 
lation now aifecting the industrial classes can be removed 
by the adoption of the principle contained in the following 
declaration ; therefore, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the government to estab- 
lish a just standard of distribution of capital and labor by- 
providing a purely national circulating medium, based on 
the faith and resources of the nation, issued directly to the 
people without the intervention of any system of banking 
corporations, which money shall be legal tender in the pay- 
ment of all debts, public and private, and interchangeable 
at the option of the holder for government bonds bearing a 
rate of interest not to exceed 3-65 per cent, subject to fu- 
ture legislation by Congress. 

2. That the national debt should be paid in good faith, 
according to the original contract, at the earliest option of 
the government, without mortgaging the property of the 
people or the future exigencies of labor to enrich a few 
capitalists at home and abroad. 

3. That justice demands that the burdens of government 
should be so adjusted as to bear equally on all classes, and 
that the exemption from taxation of government bonds 
bearing extravagant rates of interest is a violation of all 
just principles of revenue laws. 

4. That the public lands of the United States belong to 
the people and should not be sold to individuals nor grant- 
ed to corporations, but should be held as a sacred trust for 
the benefit of the people, and should be granted the land- 
less settlers only in amounts not exceeding one hundred 
and sixty acres of land. 

5. That Congress should modify the tariff so as to admit 
free such articles of common use as we can neither produce 
nor grow, and lay duties for revenue mainly upon articles 
of luxury and upon such articles of manufacture as will, 
we having the raw materials, assist in further developing 
the resources of the country. 

6. That the presence in our country of Chinese labor, 
imported by capitalists in large numbers, for servile use, is 
an evil, entailing want and its attendant train of misery 
and crime on all classes of the American people, and should 
be prohibited by legislation. 

7. That we ask for the enactment of a law by which all 
mechanics and day laborers employed by or on behalf of 
the government, whether directly or indirectly, through 
persons, firms or corporations, contracting with the state, 
shall conform to the reduced standard of eight hours a day. 



LABOR REFORM, 1872. 5ll 

recently adopted by Congress for national employees, and 
also for an amendment to the acts of incorporation for 
«ities and towns by which all laborers and mechanics em- 
ployed at their expense shall conform to the same number 
•f hours. 

8. That the enlightened spirit of the age demands the 
abolition of the system of contract labor in our prisons and 
•ther reformatory institutions. 

9. That the protection of life, liberty and property are 
the three cardinal principles of government, and the first 
two are more sacred than the latter; therefore money 
needed for prosecuting wars should, as it is required, be 
assessed and collected from the wealthy of the country, and 
not entailed as a burden on posterity. 

10. That it is the duty of the government to exercise its 
power over railroads and telegraph corporations, that they 
shall not in any case be privileged to exact such rates of 
freight, transportation or charges, by w^hatever name, as 
may bear unduly or unequally upon the producer or con- 
sumer. 

11. That there should be such a reform in the civil ser- 
Tice of the national government as w^ill remove it beyond 
all partisan influence and place it in the charge and under 
the direction of intelligent and competent business men. 

12. That as both history and experience teach us that 
power ever seeks to perpetuate itself by every and all 
means, and that its prolonged possession in the hands of 
one person is always dangerous to the interest of a free 
people, and believing that the spirit of our organic laws 
and the stability and safety of our free institutions are 
best obeyed on the one hand and secured on the other by a 
regular constitutional change in the chief of the country at 
«ach election; therefore we are in favor of limiting the 
occupancy of the presidential chair to one term. 

13. But we are in favor of granting general amnesty and 
restoring the union at once on the basis of the equality of 
rights and privileges to all, the impartial administration of 
justice being the only true bond of union to bind the states 
together and restore the government of the people. 

14. That we demand the subjection of the military to 
the civil authorities, and the confinement of its operations 
to national purposes alone. 

15. That we deem it expedient for Congress to supervise 
the patent laws, so as to give labor more fully the benefit 
of its own ideas and inventions. 

16. That fitness, and not political or personal considera- 
tions, should be the only recommendation to public office 



513 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



either appointive or elective, and any and all lavps looking 
to the establishment of this principle are heartily ap- 
proved. 

Prohibition Party. 

Resolved, That we reaffirm the following- resolu'ions 
adopted by the national Prohibition convention, held at 
Chicago, September 2, 1S69 

Whereas, Protection and allegiance are reciprocal duties, and every citi- 
zen who yields obedience to the just commands of the government is en- 
titled to the full, free and perfect protection of that government in the 
enjoyment of personal security, personal liberty and private property; 
and 

Whereas, The traffic in intoxicating drinks greatly impairs the personal 
security and personal liberty of a large mass of citizens, and renders private 
property insecure ; and 

Whereas, All other political parties are hopelessly unwilling to adopt an 
adequate policy on this question ; therefore 

We, in national convention assembled, as citizens of this free republic, 
sharing the duties and responsibilities of its government, in discharge of a 
solemn duty we owe to our country and our race, unite in the following 
declaration of principles : 

1. That while we acknowledge the pure patriotism and profound states- 
manship of those patriots who laid the foundations of this government, se- 
curing at once the rights of the states severally, and their inseparable 
union by the federal constitution, we would not merely garnish the sepul- 
chers of our republican fathers, but we do hereby renew our solemn 
pledges of fealty to the imperishable principles of civil and religious liberty 
embodied in the Declaration of American Independence and our federal 
constitution. 

2. That the traffic in intoxicating beverages is a dishonor to Christian 
civilization, inimical to the best interests of society, a political wrong of un- 
equaled enormity, subversive of the ordinary objects of government, not 
capable of being regulated or restrained by any system of license whatever, 
but imperatively demanding for its suppression effective legal prohibition 
by both state and national legislation. 

3. That while we recognize the g-ood providence of Al- 
mighty God in supervising the interests of this nation 
from its establishment to the present time, having organ- 
ized our party for the legal prohibition of the liquor traffic, 
our reliance for success is upon the same omnipotent arm. 

4. That there can be no greater peril to the nation than 
the existing party competition for the liquor vote; that 
any party not openly opposed to the traffic, experience 
shows, will engage in this competition, will court the favor 
of the criminal classes, will barter away the public morals, 
the purity of the ballot, and every object of good govern- 
ment, for party success. 

5 That while adopting national political measures for 



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PROHIBITION, 1S72. 513 

the prohibition of the liquor traffic, we will continue the 
use of all moral means in our power to persuade men away 
from the injurious practice of using intoxicating bever- 
ages. 

6. That we invite all persons, whether total abstainers 
or not, who recognize the terrible injuries inflicted by the 
liquor traffic, to unite with us for its overthrow, and to se- 
cure thereby peace, order and the protection of persons 
and property. 

7. That competency, honesty and sobriety are indispen- 
sable qualifications for holding public office. 

8. That removals from public service for mere difference 
of political opinion is a practice opposed to sound policy 
and just principles. 

9. That fixed and moderate salaries should take the place 
of official fees and perquisites; the franking privilege, sine- 
cures and all unnecessary offices and expenses should be 
abolished, and every possible means be employed to prevent 
corruption and venality in office; and by a rigid system of 
accountability from all its officers and guards over the pub- 
lic treasury the utmost economy should be practiced and 
enforced in every department of the government. 

10. That we favor the election of president, vice-presi- 
dent and United States senators by direct vote of the peo-- 
pie. 

11. That we are in favor of a sound national currency, 
adequate to the demands of business and convertible into 
gold and silver at the will of the holder, and the adoption 
of every measure compatible with justice and the public 
safety, to appreciate our present currency to the gold 
standard. 

12. That the rates of inland and ocean postage, of 
telegraphic communication, of railroad and water trans- 
portation and travel, should be reduced to the lowest prac- 
ticable point by force of laws wisely and justly framed, 
with reference not only to the interest of capital employed, 
feut to the higher claim of the general good. 

13. That an adequate public revenue being necessary, it 
may properly be raised by impost duties and by an equita- 
ble assessment upon the property and legitimate business 
of the country, nevertheless we are opposed to any dis- 
arimmation of capital against labor, as well as to all 
monopoly and class legislation. 

14. That the removal of the burdens, moral, physical, 
pecuniary and social, imposed by the traffic in intoxicating 
drinks, will, in our judgment, emancipate labor and prac- 
tically thus promote labor reform. 



514 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

15. That the fostering and extension of common schools 
under the care and support of the state to supply the want 
of a general and liberal education is a primary duty of a 
good government. 

16. That the right of suffrage rests on no mere circum- 
stance of color, race, former social condition, sex or nation- 
ality, but inheres in the nature of man ; and when from any 
cause it has been withheld from citizens of our country who 
are of suitable age and mentally and morally qualified for 
the discharge of its duties it should be speedily restored 
by the people in their sovereign capacity. 

17. That a liberal and just policy should be pursued to 
promote foreign immigration to our shores, always allow- 
ing to the naturalized citizens equal rights, privileges and 
protection under the constitution with those who are 
native-born. 

1876. 

Republican Party. 

When, in the economy of Providence, this land was to be 
purged of human slavery, and when the strength of gov- 
..ernment of the people, by the people and for the people 
was to be demonstrated, the Republican party came into 
power. Its deeds have passed into history, and we look 
back to them with pride. Incited by their memories to 
high aims for the good of our country and mankind, and 
looking to the future with unfaltering courage, hope and 
purpose, we, the representatives of the party in national 
convention assembled, make the following declaration of 
principles : 

1. The United States of America is a nation, not a 
league. By the combined workings of the national and 
state governments, under their respective constitutions, 
the rights of every citizen are secured at home and abroad, 
and the common welfare promoted. 

2. The Republican party has preserved these govern- 
ments to the hundredth anniversary of the nation's birth, 
and they are now embodiments of the great truth spoken at 
its cradle — " that all men are created equal; that they are 
endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, 
among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, 
that for the attainment of these ends governments have 
been instituted among men, deriving their just powers 
from the consent of the governed." Until these truths are 
cheerfully obeyed, or, if need be, vigorously enforced, the 
work of the Republican party is unfinished. 



REPUBLICAN, 1876. 515 

3. The permanent pacification of the Southern section of 
the union and the complete protection of all its citizens in 
the free enjoyment of all their rights is a duty to which the 
Republican party stands sacredly pledged. The power to 
provide for the enforcement of the principles embodied in 
the recent constitutional amendments is vested by those 
amendments in the Congress of the United States, and we 
declare it to be the solemn obligation of the legislative and 
executive departments of the government to put into imme- 
diate and vigorous exercise all their constitutional powers 
for removing any just causes of discontent on the part of 
any class, and for securing to every American citizen com- 
plete liberty and exact equality in the exercise of all civil, 
political and public rights. To this end we imperatively 
demand a Congress and a chief executive whose courage 
and fidelity to these duties shall not falter until these re- 
sults are placed beyond dispute or recall. 

4. In the first act of Congress signed by President 
Grant the national government assumed to remove any 
doubts of its purpose to discharge all just obligations to the 
public creditors, and " solemnly pledged its faith to make 
provisions at the earliest practicable period for the re- 
demption of the United States notes in coin." Commercial 
prosperity, public morals and the national credit demand 
that this promise be fulfilled by a continuous and steady 
progress to specie pay men ^ 

5. Under the constitution the president and heads of 
departments are to make nominations for office; the senate 
is to advise and consent to appointments, and the house of 
representatives is to accuse and prosecute faithless oflicers. 
The best interest of the public service demands that these 
distinctions be respected ; that senators and representatives 
who may be judges and accusers should not dictate appoint- 
ments to ofiice. The invariable rule in appointments should 
have reference k) the honesty, fidelity and capacity of the 
appointees, giving to the party in power those places 
where harmony and vigor of administration require its 
policy to be represented, but permitting all otherc to be 
filled by persons selected with sole reference to the efii- 
ciency of the public service, and the right of all citizens to 
share in the honor of rendering faithful service to the 
country. 

6. We rejoice in the quickening conscience of the people 
concerning political affairs, and will hold all public officers 
to a rigid responsibility, and engage that the prosecution 
and punishment of all who betray official trusts shall be 
swift, thorough and unsparing. 



:> 



1 6 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



7. The public school system of the several states is the 
bulwark of the American republic, and with a view to its 
security and permanence we recommend an amendment to 
the constitution of the United States, forbidding the appli- 
cation of any public funds or property for the benefit of 
any schools or institutions under sectarian control. 

8. The revenue necessary for current expenditures and 
the obligation of the public debt must be largely derived 
from duties upon importations, which, so far as possible, 
should be adjiisted to promote the interests of American 
labor and advance the prosperity of the whole country. 

9. We reaffirm our opposition to further grants of the 
public lands to corporations and monopolies, and demand 
that the national domain be devoted to free homes for the 
people. 

10. It is the imperative duty of the government so to 
modify existing treaties with European governments that 
the same protection shall be afforded to the adopted Ameri- 
can citizen that is given to the native born; and that all 
necessary laws should be passed to protect emigrants in 
the absence of power in the states for that purpose. 

• 11. It is the immediate duty of Congress to fully investi- 
gate the effect of the immigration and importation of Mon- 
golians upon the moral and material Interests of the 
country. 

12. The. Eepublican party recognizes with approval the 
substantial advances recently made toward the establish- 
ment of equal rights for women by the many important 
amendments effected by Republican legislatures, in the laws 
which concern the personal and property relations of wives, 
mothers, and widows, and by the appointment and election 
of women to the superintendence of education, charities 
and other public trusts. The honest demands of this class 
of citizens for additional rights, privileges and immunities 
should be treated wirh respectful consideration. 

13. The constitution confers upon Congress sovereign 
power over the territories of the United States for their 
government, and in the exercise of this power it is the 
right and duty of Congress to prohibit and extirpate, in 
the territories, that relic of barbarism — polygamy; and we 
demand such leg.slation as shall secure this end and the 
supremacy of American institutions in all the territories. 

M. The pledges which the nation has given to her sol- 
diers and sailors must be fulfilled, and a grateful people 
will always hold those who imperiled their lives for th« 
country's preservation in the kindest remembrance. 

]5. We sincerely deprecate all sectional feeling and ten- 



DEMOCRATIC, 1876. S^7 

ilencies. We therefore note with deep solicitude that the 
Democratic party counts, as its chief hope of success, upon 
the electoral vote of a united South, secured through the 
•ft'orts of those who were recently arrayed against the na- 
tion; and we invoke the earnest attention of the country to 
the grave truth that a success thus achieved would reopen 
•ectional strife and imperil national honor and human 
rights. 

16. We charge the Democratic party with being the same 
in character and spirit as when it sympathized with trea- 
son ; with making its control of the house of representa- 
tives the triumph and opportunity of the nation's recent 
foes; with reasserting and applauding in the national capi- 
tol the sentiments of unrepentant rebellion ; with sending 
Union soldiers to the rear, and promoting Confederate sol- 
diers to the front; with deliberately proposing to repudiate 
the plighted faith of the government; with being equally 
false and imbecile upon the overshadowing financial ques- 
tion ; with thwarting the ends of justice by its partisan 
mismanagements and obstruction of investigation; with 
proving itself, through the period of its ascendancy in the 
lower house of Congress, utterly incompetent|to administer 
the government; and we warn the country against trusting 
a party thus alike unworthy, recreant and incapable. 

17. The national administration merits commendation 
for its honorable work in the management of domestic and 
foreign affairs, and President Grant deserves the continued 
hearty gratitude of the American people for his patriotism 
and his eminent services in war and in peace. 

18. We present as our candidates for president and vice- 
president of the United States two distinguished states- 
men, of eminent ability and character, and conspicuously 
fitted for those high offices, and we confidently appeal to 
the American people to intrust the administration of their 
public affairs to Rutherford B. Hayes and William A. 
Wheeler. 

Democratic Party. 

We, the delegates of the Democratic party of the United 
States in national convention assembled, do hereby declare 
the administration of the federal government to be in ur- 
gent need of immediate reform; do hereby enjoin upon the 
nominees of this convention, and of the Democratic party 
in each state, a zealous effort and co-operation to this end; 
and do hereby appeal to our fellow-citizens of every former 
political connection to undertake with us this first and 
most pressing patriotic duty. 



Si8 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



For the Democracy of the whole country we do here re- 
affirm our faith in the permanence of the federal union, our 
devotion to the constitution of the United States, with its 
amendments universally accepted as a final settlement of 
the controversies that engendered civil war, and do here 
record our steadfast confidence in the perpetuity of repub- 
lican self-government. 

In absolute acquiescence in the will of the piajority — the 
vital principle of republics; in the supremacy of the civil 
over the military authority; in the total separation of 
church and state, for the sake alike of civil and religious 
freedom; in the equality of all citizens before just laws of 
their own enactment; in the liberty of individual conduct, 
ilnvexed by sumptuary laws; in the faithful education of 
the rising generation, that they may preserve, enjoy, and 
transmit these best conditions of human happiness and 
hope, we behold the noblest products of a hundred years 
of changeful history; but while upholding the bond of our 
union and great charter of these our rights, it behooves a 
free people to practice also that eternal vigilance which is 
the price of liberty. 

Reform is necessary to rebuild and establish in the hearts 
of the whole people the union, eleven years ago happily 
rescued from the danger of a secession of states; but now 
to be saved from a corrupt centralism which, after inflict- 
ing upon ten states the rapacity of carpet-bag tyrannies, 
has honey-combed the offices of the federal government 
itself with incapacity, waste and fraud; infected states and 
municipalities with the contagion of misrule, and locked 
fast the prosperity of an industrious people in the paralysis 
of " hard times." 

Reform is necessary to establish a sound currency, restore 
the public credit, and maintain the national honor. 

We denounce the failure, for all these eleven years of 
peace, to make good the promise of the legal-tender notes, 
which are a changing standard of value in the hands of 
the people, and the non-payment of which is a disregard of 
the plighted faith of the nation. 

We denounce the improvidence which, in eleven years of 
peace, has taken from the people in federal taxes thirteen 
times the whole amount of the legal-tender notes, and 
squandered four times their sum in useless expense with- 
out accumulating any reserve for their redemption. 

We denounce the financial imbecility and immorality of 
that party which, during eleven years of peace, has made 
no advance toward resumption, no preparation for re- 
sumption, but instead has obstructed resumption by wast- 



DEMOCRATIC, 1S76. 519 

ing" our resources and exhausting all our surplus income; 
and, while annually professing to intend a speedy return 
to specie payments, has annually enacted fresh hindrances 
thereto. As such hindrance we denounce the resumption 
clause of the act of 1875, and we here demand its repeal. 

We demand a judicious system of preparation by public 
economies, by official retrenchments, and by wise finance, 
which shall enable the nation soon to assure the whole 
world of its perfect ability and its perfect readiness to 
meet any of its promises at the call of the creditor entitled 
to payment. 

We believe such a system, well devised, and, above all, 
intrusted to competent hands for execution, creating at no 
time an artificial scarcity of currency, and at no time 
alarming the public mind into a withdrawal of that vaster 
machinery of credit by which ninety-five per cent of all 
business transactions are performed — a system open, public, 
and inspiring general confidence, would from the day of its 
adoption bring healing on its wings to all our harassed in- 
dustries, set in motion the wheels of commerce, manufac- 
tures, and the mechanic arts, restore employment to labor, 
and renew in all its natural sources the prosperity of the 
people. 

Reform is necessary in the sum and modes of federal 
taxation, to the end that capital may be set free from dis- 
trust, and labor lightly burdened. 

We denounce the present tarift', levied upon nearly 4,000 
articles, as a masterpiece of injustice, inequality, and false 
pretense. It yields a dwindling, not a yearly rising reve- 
nue. It has impoverished many industries to subsidize a 
few. It prohibits imports that might purchase the prod- 
ucts of American labor. It has degraded American com- 
merce from the first to an inferior rank on the high seas. 
It has cut down the sales of American manufactures at 
home and abroad, and depleted the returns of American 
agriculture, an industry followed by half our people. It 
costs the people five times more than it produces to the 
treasury, obstructs the processes of production, and wastes 
the fruits of labor. It promotes fraud, fosters smuggling, 
enriches dishonest officials and bankrupts' honest mer- 
chants. We demand that all custom house taxation shall 
be only for revenue. 

Reform is necessary in the scale of public expense — fed- 
eral, state and municipal. Our federal taxation has swol- 
len from sixty millions gold, in 1860, to four hundred and 
fifty millions currency, in 1870; our aggregate taxation 
from one hundred and fifty-four millions gold, In 1860, to 



520 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

seven hundred and thirty millions currency, in 1870; or in 
one decade from less than five dollars per head to more 
than eighteen dollars per head. Since the peace, the peo- 
ple have paid to their rax gatherers more than thrice the 
sum of the national debt, and more than twice that sum 
for the federal government alone. We demand a rigorous 
frugality in every department and from every officer of the 
government. 

Keform is necessary to put a stop to the profligate waste 
of public lands and their diversion from actual settlers by 
the party in power, which has squandered 200,000,000 of 
acres upon railroads alone, and out of more than thrice that 
aggregate has disposed of less than a sixth directly to 
tillers of the soil. 

Keform is necessary to correct the omissions of a Repub- 
lican Congress and the errors of our treaties and our di- 
plomacy, which have stripped our fellow-citizens of foreign 
birth and kindred race recrossing the Atlantic of the 
shield of American citizenship, and have exposed our breth- 
ren of the Pacific coast to the incursions of a race not 
sprung from the same great parent stock, and in fact now 
by law denied citizenship through naturalization as being 
neither accustomed to the traditions of a progressive civil- 
ization nor exercised in liberty under equal laws. We de- 
nounce the policy which thus discards the liberty-loving 
German and tolerates a revival of the coolie trade in Mon- 
golian women Imported for immoral purposes, and Mongo- 
lian men held to perform servile labor contracts, and de- 
mand such modification of the treaty with the Chinese em- 
pire, or such legislation within constitutional limitations 
as shall prevent further importation or immigration of the 
Mongolian race. 

Reform is necessary, and can never be effected but by 
making it the controlling issue of the elections, and lifting 
it above the two false issues with which the office-holding 
class and the party in power seek to smother it. 

1. The false issue with which they would enkindle sec- 
tarian strife in respect to the public schools, of which the 
establishment and support belong exclusively to the several 
states, and which the Democratic party has cherished from 
their foundation, and is resolved to maintain without preju- 
dice or preference for any class, sect, or creed, and without 
largesses from the treasury to any. 

2. The false issue by which they seek to light anew the 
dying embers of sectional bate between kindred people 
once estranged, but now reunited in one indivisible republia 
and a common destiny. 



DEMOCRATIC, 1876. 52 1 

Reform is necessary in the civil service. Experience 
proves that efficient, economical conduct of the governmen- 
tal business is not possible if its civil service be subject to 
change at every election, be a prize fought for at the ballot- 
box, be a brief reward of party zeal instead of posts of hon- 
or assigned for proved competency, and held for fidelity in 
the public employ ; that the dispensing of patronage should 
neither be a tax upon the time of all our public men nor 
t><e instrument of their ambition. Here again promises 
falsified in the performance attest that the party in power 
can work out no practical or salutary reform. 

Reform is necessary even more in the higher grades of 
the public service. President, vice-president. Judges, sena- 
tors, representatives, cabinet officers, these and all others 
in authority are the people's servants. Their offices are not 
a private perquisite; they are a public trust. 

When the annals of this republic show the disgrace and 
censure of a vice-president; a late speaker of the house of 
representatives marketing his rulings as a presiding officer ; 
three senators profiting secretly by their votes as law- 
makers; five chairmen of the leading committees of the late 
house of representatives exposed in jobbery ; a late secre- 
tary of the treasury forcing balances in the public ac- 
counts; a late attorney-general misappropriating public 
funds; a secretary of the navy enriched or enriching 
friends by percentages levied off the profits of contractors 
with his department; an ambassador to England censured 
in a dishonorable speculation; the president's private secre- 
tary barely escaping conviction upon trial for guilty com- 
plicity in frauds upon the revenue; a secretary of war im- 
peached for high crimes and misdemeanors — the demon- 
stration is complete that the first step in reform must be 
the people's choice of honest men from another party, lest 
the disease of one political organization infect the body 
politic, and lest by making no change of men or parties we 
get no change of measures and no real reform. 

All these abuses, wrongs and crimes, the product of six- 
teen years' ascendancy of the Republican party, create a 
necessity for reform confessed by Republicans themselves; 
but their reformers are voted down in convention and dis- 
placed from the cabinet. The party's mass of honest voters 
is powerless to resist the 80,000 office-holders, its leaders 
and guides. 

Reform^can only be had by a peaceful civic revolution. 
We demand a change of system, a change of administra- 
tion, a change of parties, that we may have a change of 
measures and of men. 



522 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



Resolved, That this convention, representing the Demo- 
cratic party of the United States, do cordially indorse the 
action of the present house of representatives in reducing 
and curtailing the expenses of the federal government, in 
cutting down salaries, extravagant appropriations, and in 
abolishing useless offices, and places not required by the 
public necessities, and we shall trust to the firmness of the 
Democratic members of the house that no committee of con- 
ference and no misinterpretation of the rules will be al- 
lowed to defeat these wholesome measures of economy de- 
manded by the country. 

Resolved, That the soldiers and sailors of the republic, 
and the widows and orphans of those who have fallen in 
battle, have a just claim upon the care, protection and grat- 
itude of their fellow-citizens. 

Independent (Greenback) Party. 

This was a continuance under a new name of the Labor 
Reform party of 1872 : 

The Independent party is called into existence by the 
necessities of the people, whose industries are prostrated, 
whose labor is deprived of its just reward by a ruinous 
policy which the Republican and Democratic parties re- 
fused to change ; and, in view of the failure of these parties 
to furnish relief to the depressed industries of the country, 
thereby disappointing the just hopes an4 expectations of 
the suffering people, we declare our principles, and invite 
all independent and patriotic men to join our ranks in this 
movement for financial reform and industrial emancipa- 
tion. 

First. We demand the immediate and unconditional re- 
peal of the specie resumption act of January 14, 1875, and 
the rescue of our industries from ruin and disaster result- 
ing from its enforcement; and we call upon all patriotic 
men to organize in every congressional district of the 
country, with a view of electing representatives to Con- 
gress who will carry out the wishes of the people in this 
regard and stop the present suicidal and destructive policy 
of contraction. 

Second. We believe that a United States note, issued 
directly by the government and convertible on demand, 
into United States obligations, bearing a rate of interest 
not exceeding one cent a day on each one hundred dollars, 
and exchangeable for United States notes at par, will afford 
the best circulating medium ever devised. Such United 
States notes should be full legal tenders for all purposes, 



PROHIBITION, 1876. 523 

except for the payment of such obligations as are, by ex- 
isting contracts, especially made payable in coin; and we 
hold that it is the duty of the government to provide such 
a circulating medium, and insist in the language of Thomas 
Jefferson, that " bank paper must be suppressed and the 
circulation restored to the nation, to whom it belongs." 

Third. It is the paramount duty of the government, in 
all its legislation, to keep in view the full development of 
all legitimate business, agricultural, mining, manufactur- 
ing and commercial. 

Fourth. We most earnestly protest against any further 
issue of gold bonds for sale in foreign markets, by which 
we would be made for a long period " hewers of wood and 
drawers of water" to foreigners, especially as the Ameri- 
can people would gladly and promptly take at par all bonds 
the government may need to sell, providing they are made 
payable at the option of the holder, and bearing interest at 
3.65 per cent per annum or even a lower rate. 

Fifth. We further protest against the sale of govern- 
ment bonds for the purpose of purchasing silver to be used 
as a substitute for our more convenient and less fractional 
currency, which, although well calculated to enrich owners 
of silver mines, yet in operation it will still further oppress 
in taxation an already overburdened people. 

Peohibition Reform (Prohibition) Party. 

The Prohibition Reform party of the United States, or- 
ganized in the name of the people to revive, enforce and per- 
petuate in the government the doctrines of the Declaration 
of Independence, submit in this centennial year of the re- 
public for the suffrages of all good citizens the following 
platform of national reforms and measures : 

1. The legal prohibition in the District of Columbia, the 
territories and every other place subject to the laws of 
Congress, of the importation, exportation, manufacture and 
traffic of all alcoholic beverages, as high crimes against so- 
ciety ; an amendment of the national constitution to render 
these prohibitory measures universal and permanent, and 
the adoption of treaty stipulations with foreign powers to 
prevent the importation and exportation of all alcoholic 
beverages. 

2. The abolition of class legislation and of special privi- 
leges in the government, and the adoption of equal suffrage 
and eligibility to office without distinction of race, relig- 
ious creed, property or sex. 

3. The appropriation of the public lands in limited 
quantities to actual settlers only ; the reduction of the rates 



524 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



of inland and ocean postage, of telegraphic communicatioB, 
of railroad and water transportation and travel to the low- 
est practical point by force of laws, wisely and justly 
framed, with reference not only to the interests of capital 
employed, but to the higher claims of the general good. 

4. The suppression, by law, of lotteries and gambling ia 
gold, stocks, produce and every form of money and proper- 
ty, and the penal inhibition of the use of the public mails 
for advertising schemes of gambling and lotteries. 

5. The abolition of those foul enormities, polygamy anil 
the social evil, and the protection of purity, peace and hap- 
piness of homes by ample and efficient legislation. 

6. The national observance of the Christian Sabbath, 
established by laws prohibiting ordinary labor and business 
in all departments of public service and private employ- 
ments (works of necessity, charity and religion excepted) 
on that day. 

7. The establishment by mandatory provisions in na- 
tional and state constitutions, and by all necessary legisla- 
tion, of a system of free public schools for the universal 
and forced education of all the youth of the land. 

8. The free use of the Bible, not as a ground of religious 
creeds, but as a text-book of purest morality, the best liber- 
ty and the noblest literature, in our public schools, that our 
children may grow up in its light and that its spirit and 
principles may pervade our nation. 

9. The separation of the government in all its depart- 
ments and institutions, including the public schools, and 
all funds for their maintenance, from the control of every 
religious sect or other association, and the protection alike 
of all sects by equal laws with entire freedom of religious 
faith and worship. 

10. The introduction into all treaties, hereafter nego- 
tiated with foreign governments, of a provision for the 
amicable settlement of international difficulties by arbitra- 
tion. 

11. The abolition of all barbarous modes and instruments 
of punishment; the recognition of the laws of God and the 
claims of humanity in the discipline of jails and prisons, 
and of that higher and wiser civilization worthy of our 
age and nation, which regards the reform of criminals as a 
means for the prevention of crime. 

12. The abolition of executive and legislative patronage, 
and the election of president, vice-president. United States 
senators, and of all civil officers, so far as practicable, by 
the direct vote of the people. 

13. The practice of a friendly and liberal policy to im- 



AMERICAN, 1876. ' 525 

migrants from all nations, the guaranty to them of ample 
protection and of equal rights and privileges. 

14. The separation of the money of government from all 
banking institutions. The national government only 
should exercise the high prerogative of issuing paper 
money, and that should be subject to prompt redemption 
on demand, in gold and silver, the only equal standards of 
value recognized by the civilized world. 

15. The reduction of the salaries of public officers in a 
jUst ratio v^ith the decline of w^ages and market prices, the 
abolition of sinecures, unnecessary offices and ofiicial fees 
and perquisites ;*the practice of strict economy in govern- 
ment expenses, and a free and thorough investigation into 
any and all alleged abuses of public trusts. 

American Party. 
We hold : 

1. That ours is a Christian and not a heathen nation, 
and that the God of the Christian Scriptures is the author 
of civil government. 

2. That God requires and man needs a Sabbath. 

3. That the prohibition of the importation, manufacture 
and sale of intoxicating drinks as a beverage is the true 
policy on the temperance question. 

4. The charters of all secret lodges granted by our fed- 
eral and state legislatures should be withdrav^n, and their 
oaths prohibited by law. 

6, That the civil qualities secured to all American citi- 
zens by articles 13, 14 and 15 of our amended constitution 
should be preserved inviolate. 

6. The arbitration of difi'erences with nations is the 
most direct and sure method of securing and perpetuating 
a permanent peace. 

7. That to cultivate the intellect without improving the 
morals of men is to make ijiere adepts and experts; there- 
fore the Bible should be associated with books of science 
and literature in all our educational institutions. 

8. That land and other monopolies should be discounte- 
nanced. 

9. That the government should furnish the people with 
an ample and sound currency and a return to specie pay- 
ment as soon as practicable. 

10. That maintenance of the public credit, protection to 
all loyal citizens, and justice to Indians are essential to the 
honor and safety of our nation. 

11. And, finally, we demand for the American people 
the abolition of electoral colleges and a direct vote for 
president and vice-president of the United States. 



t26 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

I880, 

Republican Party. 

The Republican party in national convention assembled, 
at the end of twenty years since the federal g-overnment 
was first committed to its charge, submits to the people of 
the United States this brief report of its administration : 

It suppressed a rebellion which had armed nearly a mill- 
ion of men to subvert the national authority, it recon- 
structed the union of the states with freedom instead of 
slavery as its corner-stone, it transformed. 4,000,000 human 
beings from the likeness of things to the rank of citizens, 
it relieved Congress of the infamous work of hunting fugi- 
tive slaves, and charged it to see that slavery does not 
exist. 

It has raised the value of our paper currency from 38 per 
cent to the par of gold; it has restored, upon a solid basis, 
payment in coin of all national obligations, and has given 
us a currency absolutely good and equal in every part of 
our extended country, it has lifted the credit of the nation 
from the point of where 6 per cent bonds sold at 86 to that 
where 4 per cent bonds are eagerly sought at a premium. 

Under its administration railways have increased from 
31,000 miles in 1860 to more than 82,000 miles in 1879. 

Our foreign trade increased from $700,000,000 to $1,150,- 
000,000 in the same time, and our exports, which were $20,- 
000,000 less than our imports in 1860, were $265,000,000 more 
than our imports in 1879. 

Without resorting to loans, it has, since the war closed, 
defrayed the ordinary expenses of government besides the 
accruingj interest on the public debt, and has disbursed 
annually more than $30,000,000 for soldiers' and sailors' 
pensions. It has paid $880,000,000 of the public debt, and, 
by refunding the balance at lower rates, has reduced the 
annual interest charge from nearly $150,000,000 to less than 
.$89,000,000. 

All the industries of the country have revived, labor is in 
demand, w^ages have increased, and throughout the entire 
country there is evidence of a coming prosperity greater 
than we have ever enjoyed. 

Upon this record the Republican party asks for the con- 
tinued confidence and support of the people, and this con- 
vention submits for their approval the following statement 
of the principles and purposes which will continue to guide 
and inspire its efforts : 

1. We affirm that the work of the Republican party for 
the last twenty years has been such as to commend it to the 
favor of the nation; that the fruits of the costly victories 



REPUBLICAN, l8So. 537 

which we have achieved through immense difHculties 
should be preserved; that the peace regained should be 
cherished; that the union should be perpetuated, and that 
the liberty secured to this generation should be transmitted 
undiminished to other generations; that the order estab- 
lished and the credit acquired should never be impaired; 
that the pensions promised should be paid; that the debt 
so much reduced should be extinguished by the full pay- 
ment of every dollar thereof; that the reviving industries 
should be further promoted, and that the commerce already 
increasing should be steadily encouraged. 

2. The constitution of the United States is a supreme 
law, and not a mere contract. Out of confederated states it 
made a sovereign nation. Some powers are denied to the 
nation, while others are denied to the states, but the boun- 
dary between the powers delegated and those reserved is 
to be determined by the national, and not by the state 
tribunal. 

3. The work of popular education is one left to the care 
of the several states, but it is the duty of the national gov- 
ernment to aid that work to the extent of its constitutional 
ability. The intelligence of the nation is but the aggregate 
of the intelligence in the several states, and the destiny of 
the nation must be guided, not by the genius of any one 
state, but by the average genius of all. 

4. The constitution wisely forbids Congress to make any 
law respecting the establishment of religion, but it is idle 
to hope that the nation can be protected against the influ- 
ence of secret sectarianism while each state is exposed to its 
domination. We therefore recommend that the constitu- 
tion be so amended as to lay the same prohibition upon the 
legislature of each state, and to forbid the appropriation of 
public funds to the support of sectarian schools. 

5. We reaffirm the belief avowed in 1876, that the duties 
levied for the purpose of revenue should so discriminate 
as to favor American labor; that no further grants of the 
public domain should be made to any railway or other 
corporation; that slavery having perished in the states, its 
twin barbarity, polygamy, must die in the territories; that 
everywhere the protection accorded to a citizen of Ameri- 
can birth must be secured to citizens by American adoption. 
That we deem it the duty of Congress to develop and im- 
prove our sea-coast and harbors, but insist that further sub- 
sidies to private persons or corporations must cease; that 
the obligations of the republic to the men who preserved 
its integrity in the day of battle are undiminished by the 
lapse of fifteen years since their final victory. To do them 



528 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



honor is and shall forever be the grateful privilege and 
sacred duty of the American people. 

6. Since the authority to regulate immigration and in- 
tercourse between the United States and foreign nations 
rests with the Congress of the United States and the treaty- 
making power, the Kepublican party, regarding the unre- 
stricted immigration of the Chinese as a matter of grave 
concernment under the exercise of both these powers, 
would limit and restrict that immigration by the enact- 
ment of such just, humane and reasonable laws and treaties 
as will produce that result. 

7. That the purity and patriotism wh'ich characterized 
t he earlier career of Kutherford B. Hayes in peace and war, 
and which guided the thoughts of our immediate predeces- 
sors to him for a presidential candidate, have continued to 
inspire him in his career as chief executive; and that his- 
tory will accord to his administration the honors which are 
due to an efficient, just and courteous discharge of the pub- 
lic business, and will honor his vetoes interposed between 
the people and attempted partisan laws. 

8. We charge upon the Democratic party the habitual 
sacrifice of patriotism and justice to a supreme and insatia- 
ble lust for office and patronage; that, to obtain possession 
of the national government and control of the place, they 
have obstructed all efforts to promote the purity and to 
conserve the freedom of the suffrage, and have devised 
fraudulent ballots, and invented fraudulent certification of 
returns; have labored to unseat lawfully elected members 
of Congress to secure at all hazards the vote of a -majority 
of states in the house of representatives; have endeavored 
to occupy by force and fraud the places of trust given to 
others by the people of Maine, rescued by the courage and 
action of Maine's patriotic sons; have, by methods vicious 
in principle and tyrannical in practice, attached partisan 
legislation to appropriation bills upon whose passage the 
very movement of the government depended ; have crushed 
the rights of the individual; have advocated the principles 
and sought the favor of the rebellion against the nation, 
and have endeavored to obliterate the sacred memories and 
to overcome its inestimably valuable results of nationality, 
personal freedom, and individual equality. 

The equal and steady and complete enforcement of the 
laws, and the protection of all our citizens in the enjoy- 
ment of all privileges and immunity guaranteed by the 
constitution, are the first duties of the nation. 

The dangers of a " Solid South " can only be averted by 
a faithful performance of every promise which the nation 



DEMOCRATIC, 1880. 529 

has made to the citizen. The execution of the laws, and 
the punishment of all those who violate them, are the only 
safe methods by w^hich an enduring peace can be secured 
and genuine prosperity established throughout the South. 
Whatever promises the nation makes the nation must per- 
form. A nation cannot with safety relegate this duty to 
the states. The " Solid South " must be divided by the 
peaceful agencies of the ballot, and all honest opinions 
must there find free expression. To this end the honest 
voter must be protected against terrorism, violence or 
fraud. 

And we affirm it to be the duty and the purpose of the 
Kepublican party to use all legitimate means to restore all 
the states of this union to the most perfect harmony which 
maybe possible, and we submit to the practical, sensible 
people of these United States to say whether it would not 
be dangerous to the dearest interests of our country at this 
time to surrender the administration of the national gov- 
ernment to a party which seeks to overthrow the existing 
policy under which we are so prosperous, and thus bring 
distrust and confusion where there is now order, confi- 
dence and hope. 

9. The Republican party, adhering to the principles 
affirmed by its last national convention of respect for the 
constitutional rules governing appointments to office, 
adopts the declaration of President Hayes that the reform 
of the civil service should be thorough, radical and com- 
plete. To this end it demands the co-operation of the legis- 
lative with the executive departments of the government, 
and that Congress shall so legislate that fitness, ascertained 
by proper practical tests, shall admit to the public service. 

Democratic Party. 

The Democrats of the United States, in convention 
assembled, declare — 

1. We pledge ourselves anew to the constitutional doc- 
trines and traditions of the Democratic party, as illustrat- 
ed by the teachings and example of a long line of Demo- 
cratic statesmen and patriots, and embodied in the plat- 
form of the last national convention of the party. 

2. Opposition to centralizationism, and to that danger- 
ous spirit of encroachment which tends to consolidate the 
powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, 
whatever be the form of government, a real despotism. !N'o 
sumptuary laws; separation of church and state, for the 
good of each; common schools fostered and protected. 

3. Home rule; honest money — the strict maintenance of 



^ 



^30 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

the public faith — consisting of gold and silver, and paper 
convertible into coin on demand; the strict maintenance of 
the public faith, state and national, and a tariff for revenue 
only. The subordination of the military to the civil power, 
and a general and thorough reform of the civil service. 

4. The right to a free ballot is the right preservative of 
all rights, and must and shall be maintained in every part 
of the United States. 

5. The existing administration is the representative of 
conspiracy only, and its claim of right to surr,ound the 
ballot-boxes with troops and deputy marshals, to intimidate 
and obstruct the electors, and the unprecedented use of the 
■veto to maintain its corrupt and despotic power, insult the 
people and imperil their institutions. We execrate the 
course of this administration in making places in the civil 
service a reward for political crime, and demand a reform by 
statute which shall make it forever impossible for the de- 
feated candidate to bribe his way to the seat of the usurper 
by billeting villains upon the people. 

6. The great fraud of 1876-77, by which, upon a false 
count of the electoral votes of two states, the candidate de- 
feated at the polls was declared to be president, and, for the 
first time in American history, the will of the people was 
set aside under a threat of military violence, struck a dead- 
ly blow at our system of representative government; the 
Democratic party, to preserve the country from a civil war, 
submitted for a time in firm and patriotic faith that the 
people would punish this crime in 1880; this issue precedes 
and dwarfs every other; it imposes a more sacred duty 
upon the people of the union than ever addressed the con- 
science of a nation of free men. 

7. The resolution of Samuel J. Tilden not again to be a 
candidate for the exalted place to which he was elected by 
a majority of his countrymen, and from which he was ex- 
cluded by the leaders of the Republican party, is received 
by the Democrats of the United States with sensibility, and 
they declare their confidence in his wisdom, patriotism 
andfintegrity, unshaken by the assaults of a common enemy, 
and they further assure him that he is followed into the re- 
tiiement he has chosen for himself by the sympathy and 
respect of his fellow-citizens, who regard him as one who, 
b> elevating the standards of public morality, merits the 
lasting gratitude of his country and his party. 

8. Free ships and a living chance for American com- 
merce on the seas and on the land. Nor discrimination in 
favor of transportation lines, corporations or monopolies. 

9. Amendment of the Burlingame treaty. No more 



NATIONAL (greenback), iS8o. 53I 

Chinese immigration, except for travel, education, and for- 
eign commerce, and therein carefully guarded. 

10. Public money and public credit for public purposes 
solely, and public land for actual settlers. ^ 

11. The Democratic party is the friend of labor and the 
laboring man, and pledges itself to protect him alike 
against the cormorant and the commune, 

12. We congratulate the country upon the honesty and 
thrift of a Democratic Congress which has reduced the 
public expenditure $40,000,000 a year; upon the continua- 
tion of prosperity at home and the national honor abroad, 
and, above all, upon the promise of such a change in the 
administration of the government as shall insure us genu- 
ine and lasting reform in every department of the public 
service. 

National (Greenback) Party. 

The civil government should guarantee the divine right 
of every laborer to the results of his toil, thus enabling the 
producers of wealth to provide themselves with the means 
for physical comfort, and facilities for mental, social and 
moral culture; and we condemn, as unworthy of our civili- 
zation, the barbarism which imposes upon wealth-producers 
a state of drudgery as the price of a bare animal existence. 
Notwithstanding the enormous increase of productive 
power by the universal introduction of labor-saving ma- 
chinery and the discovery of new agents for the increase of 
wealth, the task of the laborer is scarcely lightened, the 
hours of toil are but little shortened, and few producers are 
lifted from poverty into comfort and pecuniary independ- 
ence. The associated monopolies, the international syndi- 
cates, and other income classes demand dear money, cheap 
labor, and a strong government, and, hence, a weak people. 

Corporate control of the volume of money has been the 
means of dividing society into hostile classes, of an unjust 
distribution of the products of labor, and of building up 
monopolies of associated capital, endowed with power to 
confiscate private property. It has kept money scarce ; and 
the scarcity of money enforces debt, trade, and public and 
corporate loans; debt engenders usury, and usury e-nds in 
the bankruptcy of the borrower. Other results are — de- 
ranged markets, uncertainty in manufacturing enterprises 
and agriculture, precarious and intermittent employment 
for the laborer, industrial war, increasing pauperism and 
crime, and the consequent intimidation and disfranchise- 
ment of the producer, and a rapid declension into corporate 
feudalism. Therefore, we declare : 



532 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



First. That the right to make and issue money is a sov- 
ereign power, to be maintained by the people for their 
common benefit. The delegation of this right to corpora- 
^tions is a surrender of the central attribute of sovereignty, 
void of constitutional sanction, and conferring upon a sub- 
ordinate and irresponsible power an absolute dominion over 
industry and commerce. All money, whether metallic or 
paper, should be issued, and its volume controlled, by the 
government, and not by or through banking corporations; 
and, when so issued, should be a full legal tender for all 
debts, public and private. 

Second. That the bonds of the United States should not 
be refunded, but paid as rapidly as practicable, according 
to contract. To enable the government to meet these obli- 
gations, legal-tender currency should be substituted for the 
notes of the national banks, the national banking system 
abolished, and the unlimited coinage of silver as well as 
gold established by law. 

Third. That labor should be so protected by national 
and state authority as to equalize its burdens and insure a 
just distribution of its results. The eight hour law of Con- 
gress should be enforced, the sanitary condition of indus- 
trial establishments placed under rigid control, the compe- 
tition of contract convict labor abolished, a bureau of labor 
statistics established, factories, mines, and workshops in- 
spected, the employment of children under fourteen years 
of age forbidden, and wages paid in cash. 

Fourth. Slavery being simply cheap labor, and cheap 
labor being simply slavery, the importation and presence 
of Chinese serfs necessarily tends to brutalize and degrade, 
American labor; therefore immediate steps should be 
taken to abrogate the Burlingame treaty. 

Fifth. Railroad land grants forfeited by reason of non- 
fulfillment of contract should be immediately reclaimed by 
the government, and, henceforth, the public domain re- 
served exclusively as homes for actual settlers. 

Sixth. It is the duty of Congress to regulate interstate 
commerce. All lines of communication and transportation 
should be brought under such legislative control as shall 
secure moderate, fair and uniform rates for passenger and 
freight trafiic. 

Seventh. We denounce as destructive to property and 
dangerous to liberty the action of the old parties in foster- 
ing and sustaining gigantic land, railroad and money cor- 
porations, and monopolies invested with and exercising- 
powers belonging to the government, and yet not responsi- 
ble to it for the manner of their exercise. 



PROHIBITION REFORM, 1880. 533 

Eighth. That the constitution in giving Congress the 
power to borrow money, to declare war, to raise and sup- 
port armies, to provide and maintain a navy, never intend- 
ed that the men who loaned their money for an interest 
consideration should be preferred to the soldiers and sail- 
ors who periled their lives and shed their blood on land and 
sea in defence of their country; and we condemn the cruel 
class legislation of the Republican party, which, whije pro- 
fessing great gratitude to the soldier, has most unjustly 
discriminated against him and in favor of the bondholder. 

Ninth. All property should bear its just proportion of 
taxation, and we demand a graduated income tax. 

Tenth. We denounce as dangerous the efforts every- 
where manifest to restrict the right of^suffrage. 

Eleventh. We are opposed to the increase of the stand- 
ing army in time of peace, and the insidious scheme 'o es- 
tablish an enormous military power under the guise of mili- 
tia laws. 

Twelfth. We demand absolute democratic rules for the 
government of Congress, placing all representatives of the 
people upon an equal footing, and taking away from com- 
mittees a veto power greater than that of the president. 

Thirteenth. We demand a government of the people, by 
the people, and for the people, instead of a government of 
the bondholder, by the bondholder, and for the bondholder; 
and we denounce every attempt to stir up sectional strife 
as an effort to conceal monstrous crimes against the 
people. 

Fourteenth. In the furtherance of these ends we ask the 
co-operation of all fair minded people. We have no quar- 
rel with individuals, wage no war on classes, but only 
against vicious institutions. We are not content to endure 
further discipline from our present actual rulers, who, 
having dominion over money, over transportation, over 
land and labor, over the press and the machinery of gov- 
ernment, wield unwarrantable power over our institutions 
and over life and property. 

Prohibition Reform Party. 

The Prohibition Reform party of the United States, or- 
ganized in the name of the people to revive, enforce and 
perpetuate in the government the doctrines of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, submit for the suffrages of all good 
citizens the following platform of national reforms and 
measures : 

1. In the examination and discussion of the temperance 
question it has been proven, and is an accepted truth, that 



534 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



alcoholic drinks, whether fermented, brewed or distilled, 
are poisonous to the healthy human body, the drinking of 
which is not only needless, but hurtful, necessarily tending 
to form intemperate habits, increasing greatly the number, 
severity and fatal termination of diseases, weakening and 
deranging the intellect, polluting the affections, hardening 
the heart and corrupting the morals, depriring many of 
reason, and still more of its healthful exercise, and annual- 
ly bringing down large numbers to untimely graves, pro- 
ducing in the children of many who drink a predisposition 
to intemperance, insanity and various bodily and mental 
diseases, causing a diminution of strength, feebleness of 
vision, fickleness of purpose and premature old age, and 
producing to all future generations a deterioration of 
moral and physical character. The legaJized importation, 
manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks minister to 
their uses and teach the erroneous and destructive senti- 
ment thai such use is right, thus tending to produce and 
perpetuate the above-mentioned evils. Alcoholic drinks 
are thus the implacable enemy of man as an individual. 

2. That the liquor traflic is to the home equally an ene- 
my, providing a disturber and a destroyer of its peace, pros- 
perity and happiness, taking from it the earnings of the 
husband, depriving the dependent wife and children of 
essential food, clothing and education, bringing into it 
profanity and abuse, setting at naught the vows of the mar- 
riage altar, breaking up the family and sundering children 
from parents, and thus destroying one of the most benefi- 
cent institutions of our Creator, and removing the sure 
foundation for good government, national prosperity and 
welfare. 

3. That to the community it is equally an enemy, pro- 
ducing demoralization, vice and wickedness; its places of 
sale being often resorts for gambling, lewdness and de- 
bauchery, and the hiding places of those who prey upon so- 
ciety, counteracting the efiicacy of religious effort and of 
all means for the intellectual elevation, moral purity, social 
happiness and the eternal good of mankind, without render- 
ing any counteracting or compensating benefits, being in 
its influence and effect evil and only evil, and that contin- 
ually. 

4. That to the state it is equally an enemy, legislative 
inquiry, judicial investigation and the official reports of all 
penal, reformatory and dependent institutions showing 
that the manufacture and sale of such beverages is the pro- 
moting cause of intemperance, crime and pauperism, of 
demands upon public and private charity ; imposing the 



PROHIBITION REFORM, 1880. 535 

larger part of taxation, thus paralyzing thrift, industry, 
manufacture and commercial life, which but for it would be 
unnecessary; disturbing the peace of the streets and high- 
ways; filling prisons and poorhouses; corrupting politics, 
legislation and the execution of the laws; shortening lives, 
diminishing health, industry and productive power in man- 
ufacture and art; and is manifestly unjust as well as injuri- 
ous to the community upon which it is imposed, and con- 
trary to all just views of civil liberty, as well as a viola- 
tion of a fundamental maxim of our common law to use 
your own property or liberty so as not to injure others. 

5. That it is neither right nor politic for the state to 
afford legal protection to any traffic or system which tends 
to waste the resources, to corrupt the social habits and to 
destroy the health and lives of the people; that the impor- 
tation, manufacture and sale of intoxicating beverages is 
proven to be inimical to the true interests of the individual, 
the home, the community, the state, and destructive to the 
order and welfare of society, and ought, therefore, to be 
classed among crimes to be prohibited. 

6. That in this time of profound peace at home and 
abroad the entire separation of the general government 
from the drink traffic, and its prohibition in the District of 
Columbia, the territories and in all places and ways over 
which (under the constitution) Congress has control or 
power, is a political isssue of first importance to the peace 
and prosperity of the nation. There can be no stable peace 
and protection to personal liberty, life or property until 
secured by national and state constitutional prohibition en- 
forced by adequate laws. 

7. That all legitimate industries require deliverance 
from taxation and loss which the liquor traffic imposes upon 
them, and financial or other legislation can not accomplish 
so much to increase production and cause demand for labor 
and as a result, for the comfort of living, aa the suppression 
of this traffic would bring to thousands of homes as one of 
its blessings. 

8. That the administration of government and the exe- 
cution of the laws being by and through political parties, 
we arraign the Republican party, which has been in con- 
tinuous power in the nation for twenty years, as being false 
to its duty, as false to its loudly-proclaimed principles of 
" equal justice to all and special favors to none," and of pro- 
tection to the weak and dependent; and that through moral 
cowardice it has been and is unable to correct the mischief 
which the trade in liquor has constantly inflicted upon the 
industrial interests, commerce and social happiness of the 



536 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



people. On the contray, its subjection to and complicitj 
with the liquor interest appears : (1) By the facts that 5,652 
distilleries, 2,830 breweries, and 3 75,266 places of sale of th© 
poisonous liquors, involving- an annual waste, direct and in- 
direct, to the nation of $1,500,000,000, and a sacrifice of 100,- 
000 lives, have under its legislation grown up and been 
fostered as a legitimate source of revenue; (2) That during 
its history six territories have been organized and five 
states admitted into the union with constitutions provided 
and approved by Congress, but the prohibition of this de- 
basing and destructive traffic has not been provided for, 
nor even the people given at the time of admission the pow- 
er to forbid it in any one of them; (3) That its history fur- 
ther shows that not in a single instance has an original 
prohibitory law been enacted in any state controlled by it, 
while in four st^ates so governed the laws found on its ad- 
vent to power have been repealed; (4) That at its national 
convention of 1872 it declared as a part of its party faith 
that "it disapproves of a resort to unconstitutional laws for 
the purpose of removing evils by interference with the 
right not surrendered by the people to either state or na- 
tional government," which the author of this plank says 
twas adopted by the platform committee with the full and 
explicit understanding that its purpose was the discounte- 
nancing of all so-called temperance (prohibitory) and Sun- 
day laws;" (5) That notwithstanding the deep interest felt 
by the people during the lastquadrennium in the legal sup- 
pression of the drink curse, shown by many forms of public 
expression, this party at its last national convention, held 
in Chicago during the present month, in making new 
promises by its platform, says not one word on this ques- 
tion, nor holds out any hope of relief. 

9. That we arraign also the Democratic party as un- 
faithful and unworthy of reliance on this question; for 
although not clothed with power, but occupying the rela- 
tion of the opposition party during twenty years past, 
strong in number and organization, it has allied itself with 
the liquoi'-traffickers and has become in all the states of the 
union their special political defenders. In its national 
convention in 1876, as an article of its political faith, it de- 
clared against prohibition and just laws in restraint of the 
trade in drink by saying it was opposed to what it was 
pleased to call "all sumptuary laws." The National party 
has been dumb on the question. 

10. That the drink traffickers, Vea'lV/iIng that history and 
experience, in all ages, climes and conditions of men de- 
clare their business destructive of all good, and finding no 



DEMOCRATIC, 1884. 537 

support from the Bible, morals or reason, appeal to misap' 
plied law for their justification, and entrench themselves 
behind the evil elements of political party for defense, par- 
ty tactics and party inertia having become the battling 
forces protecting this evil. 

11. That in viev^ of the foregoing facts and history, we 
eordially invite all voters, without regard to former party 
affiliation, to unite with us in the use of the ballot for the 
abolition of the drink system now existing under the au- 
thority of our national and state governments. We also 
demand as a right that women, having in other respects the 
privileges of citizens, shall be clothed with the ballot for 
their protection, and as a rightful means for a proper set- 
tlement of the liquor question. 

12. That to remove the apprehensions of some who allege 
that loss of public revenue would follow the suppression of 
the drink trade, we confidently point to the experience of 
government abroad and at home, which shows that thrift 
and revenue from consumption of legitimate manufacture 
and commerce have so largely followed the abolition of the 
drink as to fully supply all loss of liquor taxes. 

13. That we recognize the good providence of Almighty 
God, who has preserved and prospered us as a nation, and, 
asking for his spirit to guide us to ultimate success, we will 
look for it, relying upon his omnipotent arm. 

1884. 

Democratic Party. 

The Democratic party of the union, through its represen- 
tatives in national convention assembled, recognizes that, 
as the nation grows older, new issues are born of time and 
progress, and old issues perish, but the fundamental prin- 
ciples of the Democracy, approved by the united voice of 
the people, remain and will ever remain as the best and 
only security for the continuance of free government. The 
preservation of personal rights; the equality of all citizens 
before the law ; the reserved rights of the states, and the 
supremacy of the federal government within the limits of 
the constitution, will ever form the true basis of our liber- 
ties, and can never be surrendered without destroying that 
balance of rights and powers which enables a continent to 
be developed in peace, and social order to be maintained by 
means of local self-government. But it is indispensable for 
the practical application and enforcement of these funda- 
mental principles that the government should not always 
be controlled by one political party. Frequent change of 
administration is as necessary as constant recurrence to 



538 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



the popular will. Otherwise abuses grow, and the govern- 
ment, instead of being carried on for the general welfare, 
becomes an instrumentality for imposing heavy burdens on 
the many who are governed, for the benefit of the few who 
govern. Public servants thus become arbitrary rulers. 
This is now the condition of the country; hence a change 
is demanded. 

The Republican party so far as principle is concerned is 
a reminiscence. In practice it is an organization for en- 
riching those who control its machinery. The frauds and 
jobbery which have been brought to light in every depart- 
ment of the government are sufficient to have called for 
reform within the Republican party; yet those in authority, 
made reckless by the long possession of power, have suc- 
cumbed to its corrupting influence and have placed in nomi- 
nation a ticket against which the independent portion of 
the party are in open revolt. Therefore a change is de- 
manded. Such a change was alike necessary in 1876, but 
the will of the people was then defeated by a fraud which 
can never be forgotten nor condoned. Again, in 1880, the 
change demanded by the people was defeated by the lavish 
use of money contributed by unscrupulous contractors and 
shameless jobbers who had bargained for unlawful profits 
or high office. The Republican party during its legal, its 
stolen and its bought tenures of power, has steadily de- 
cayed in moral character and political capacity. Its plat- 
form promises are now a list of its past failur^. It de- 
mands the restoration of our navy — it has squandered 
hundreds of millions to create a navy that does not exist. 
It calls upon Congress to remove the burdens under which 
i^nerican shipping has been depressed; it imposed and has 
continued those burdens. It professes a policy of reserving 
the public lands for small holdings by actual settlers — it 
has given away the people's heritage till now a few rail- 
roads and non-resident aliens, individual and coporate, 
possess a larger area than that of all our farms between the 
two seas. It professes a preference for free institutions — 
it organized and tried to legalize a control of state elections 
by federal troops. It professes a desire to elevate labor — it 
has subjected American workingmen to the competition of 
convict and imported contract labor. It professes grati- 
tude to all who were disabled or died in the war, leaving 
widows and orphans — it left to a Democratic house of rep- 
resentatives the first effort to equalize both bounty and 
pensions. It proffers a pledge to correct the irregularities 
of tariff — it created and has continued them. Its own tarift' 
commission confess the needs of more than twenty per cent 



DEMOCRA' IC, 1884. 539 

reduction— its Congress gave a reduction of less than four 
per cent. It professes the protection of American manu- 
factures — it has subjected them to an increasing flood of 
manufactured goods and a hopeless competition with man- 
ufacturing nations, not one of which taxes raw materials. 
It professes to protect all American industries — it has im- 
poverished many to subsidize a few. It professes the pro- 
tection of American labor — it has depleted the returns of 
American agriculture and industry followed by half of our 
people. It professes the equality of all men before the law, 
attempting to fix the status of colored citizens — the acts of 
its Congress were overset by the decisions of its courts. It 
"accepts anew the duty of leading in the work of progress 
and reform " — its caught criminals are permitted to escape 
through contrived delays or actual connivance in the prose- 
cution. Honeycombed with corruption, outbreaking ex- 
posures no longer shock its moral sense. Its honest mem- 
bers, its independent journals no longer maintain a suc- 
cessful contest for authority in its councils or a veto upon 
bad nominations. That change is necessary is proved by 
an existing surplus of more than $100,000,000 which has 
yearly been collected from a suffering people. Unnecessary 
taxation is unjust taxation. We denounce the Republican 
party for having failed to relieve the people from crushing 
war taxes, which have paralyzed business, crippled indus- 
try, and deprived labor of employment and of just reward. 

The Democracy pledges itseljf to purify the administra- 
tion from corruption, to restore economy, to revive respect 
for law, and to reduce taxation to the lowest limit consist- 
ent with due regard to the preservation of the faith of the 
nation to its creditors and pensioners. Knowing full well, 
however, that legislation aft^ecting the operations of the 
people should be cautious and conservative in method, not 
in advance of public opinion, but responsive to its demands, 
the Democratic party is pledged to revise the tariff* in a 
spirit of fairness to all interests. But, in making reduction 
in taxes, it is not proposed to injure any domestic indus- 
tries, but rather to promote their healthy growth. From 
the foundation of this government taxes collected at the 
custom house have been the chief source of federal revenue. 
Such they must continue to be. Moreover, many industries 
have come to rely upon legislation for successful continu- 
ance, so that any change of law must be at every step re- 
gardful of the labor and capital thus involved. The pro- 
cess of the reform must be subject in the execution to this 
plain dictate of justice — all taxation shall be limited to the 
requirements of economical government. The necessary 



540 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



reduction and taxation can and must be effected without 
depriving American labor of tbe ability to compete success- 
fully with foreign labor and without imposing lower rates 
of duty than will be ample to cover any increased cost of 
production which may exist in consequence of the higher 
rate of wages prevailing in this country. Sufficient reve- 
nue to pay all the expenses of the federal government 
economically administered, including pensions, interest 
and principal of the public debt, can be got under our 
present system of taxation from the custom house taxes on 
fewer imported articles, bearing heaviest on articles of lux- 
ury and bearing lightest on articles of necessity. We, 
therefore, denounce the abuses of the existing tariff; and, 
subject to the preceding limitations, we demand that feder- 
al taxation shall be exclusively for public purposes, and 
shall not exceed the needs of the government economically 
adx/iinistered. 

The system of direct taxation known as the "internal 
revenue" is a war tax, and so long as the law continues 
the money derived therefrom should be sacredly devof'ed to 
the relief of the people from the remaining burdens of the 
war, and be made a fund to defray the expense of the care 
and comfort of worthy soldiers disabled in the line of duty 
in the wars of the republic, and for the payment of such 
pensions as Congress may from time to time grant to such 
soldiers, a like fund for the sailors having already been 
provided; and any surplus shall be paid into the treasury. 

We favor an American, continental policy based upoB 
more intimate commercial and political relation with th« 
fifteen sister republics of North, Central and South Ameri- 
ca, but entangling alliances with none. 

We believe in honest money, the gold and silver coinage 
of the constitution, and a circulating medium convertible 
into such money without loss. 

Asserting the equality of all men before the law, we hold 
that it is the duty of the government in its dealings witb 
the people to mete out equal and exact justice to all citi- 
zens of whatever nativity, race, color or persuasion, relig- 
ious and political. 

We believe in a free ballot and a fair count, and we recall 
to the memory of the people the noble struggle of the Dem- 
ocrats in the forty-fifth and forty-sixth Congresses,by which 
a reluctant Kepublican opposition was compelled to assent 
to legislation making everywhere illegal the presence of 
troops at the polls, as the conclusive proof that a Democrati« 
administration will preserve liberty with order. 



DEMOCRATIC, 1884. 54I 

The selection of federal officers for the territories should 
he restricted to citizens previously resident therein. 

We oppose sumptuary laws which vex the citizen and 
interfere with individual liberty. 

We favor honest civil service reform and a compensation 
©f all United States officers by fixed salaries; the separation 
®f church and state and the diffusion of free education by 
«ommon schools, so that every child in the land may be 
taught the rights and duties of citizenship. 

While we favor all legislation which will tend to the 
equitable distribution of property, to the prevention of 
monopoly, and to the strict enforcement of individual 
rights against corporate abuses, we hold that the welfare 
of society depends upon a scrupulous regard for the right 
of property as defined by law. We believe that labor is 
best rewarded where it is freest and most enlightened. It 
should therefore be fostered and cherished. We favor the 
repeal of all laws restricting the free action of labor, and 
the enactment of laws by which labor organizations may be 
incorporated, and of all such legislation as will tend to en- 
lighten the people as to the true relations of capital and 
labor. 

We believe that the public land ought, as far as possible, 
to be kept as homesteads for actual settlers; that all un- 
earned lands heretofore inprovidently granted to railroad 
corporations by the action of the Republican party should 
be restored to the public domain, and that no more grants 
of land shall be made to corporations, or be allowed to fall 
into the ownership of alien absentees. 

We are opposed to all propositions which, upon any pre- 
text, would convert the general government into a machine 
for collecting taxes to be distributed among the states or 
the citizens thereof. 

In reaffirming the declaration of the Democratic platform 
of 1856, that the liberal princiijles embodied by Jefferson 
in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the 
constitution, wliich makes ours the land of liberty and the 
asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been 
cardinal principles in the Democratic faith, we neverthe- 
less do not sanction the importation of foreign labor or the 
admission of servile races, unfitted by habits, training, re- 
ligion, or kindred, for absorption into the great body of our 
people, or for the citizenship which our laws confer. 
American civilization demands that against the immigra- 
tion or importation of Mongolians to these shores our gates 
l>e closed. 

The Democratic party insists that it is the duty of the 



542 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



government to protect with equal fidelity and vigilance the 
rights of its citizens, native and naturalized, at home and 
abroad, and to the end that this protection may be assured 
United States papers of naturalization, issued by courts of 
competent jurisdiction, must be respected by the executive 
and legislative departments of our own government and all 
foreign powers. It is an imperative duty of this govern- 
ment to efficiently protect all the rights of persons and 
property of every American citizen in foreign lands, and 
demand and enforce full reparation for any invasion there- 
of. An American citizen is only responsible to his own 
government for any act done in his own country or under 
her flag, and can only be tried therefor on her own soil, 
and according to her laws; and no power exists in this gov- 
ernment to expatriate an American citizen to be tried in 
any foreign land for any such act. 

This country has never had a well-defined and executed 
foreign policy save under Democratic administration. 
That policy has ever been in regard to foreign nations, so 
long as they do not act detrimental to the interest of the 
country or hurtful to our citizens, to let them alone; that 
as a result of this policy we recall the acquisition of Louisi- 
ana, Florida, California and of the adjacent Mexican terri- 
tory by purchase alone, and contrast these grand acquisi- 
tions of Democratic statesmanship with the purchase of 
Alaska, the sole fruit of a Republican administration of 
nearly a quarter of a century. 

The federal government should care for and improve the 
Mississippi river and other great water-ways of the repub- 
lic, so as to secure for the interior states easy and cheap 
transportation to tide water. 

Under a long period of Democratic rule and policy our 
merchant marine was fast overtaking and on the point of 
outstripping that of Great Britain. Under twenty years of 
Republican rule and policy our commerce has been left to 
British bottoms, and the American flag has almost been 
swept off the high seas. Instead of the Republican party's 
British policy, we demand for the people of the United 
States an American policy. Under Democratic rule and 
policy our merchants and sailors, flying the stars and 
stripes in every port, successfully searched out a market 
for the varied products of American industry; under a 
quarter century of Republican rule and policy, despite our 
manifest advantage over all other nations in high-paid 
labor, favorable climate and teeming soils; despite freedom 
of trade among all these United States; despite their popu- 
lation by the foremost races of men, and an annual immi- 



REPUBLICAN, 18S4. 543 

gration of the youngf, thrifty, and adventurous of all nations ; 
despite our freedom here from the inherited burdens of life 
and industry in the Old World monarchies, their costly war 
navies, their vast tax-consuming, non-producing standing 
armies; despite twenty years of peace, that Republican rule 
and policy have managed to surrender to Great Britain, 
along with our commerce, the control of the markets of the 
world. Instead of the Republican party's British policy, 
we demand, in behalf of the American Democracy, an 
American policy. Instead of the Republican party's dis- 
credited scheme and false pretense of friendship for Amer- 
ican labor, expressed by imposing taxes, we demand, in be- 
half of the Democracy, freedom for American labor by 
reducing taxes, to the end that these United States may 
compete with unhindered powers for the primacy among 
nations in all the arts of peace and fruits of liberty. 

With profound regret we have been apprised by the ven- 
erable statesman through whose person was struck that 
blow at the vital principle of republics, acquiescence in the 
will of the majority, that he cannot permit us again to place 
in his hand^ the leadership of the Democratic hosts, for the 
reason that the achievement of reform in the administra- 
tion of the federal government is an undertaking now too 
heavy for his age and failing strength. Rejoicing that his 
life has been prolonged until the general judgment of our 
fellow countrymen is united in the wish that that wrong 
were righted in his person, for the Democracy of the 
United States we offer to him, in his withdrawal from pub- 
lic cares, not only our respectful sympathy and esteem, but 
also the best homage of freedom, the pledge of our devotion 
to the principles and the cause now inseparable in the his- 
tory of this republic from the labors and the name of Sam- 
uel J. Tilden. 

With this statement of the hopes, principles and pur- 
poses of the Democratic party, the great issue of reform 
and change in administration is submitted to the people, 
in calm confidence that the popular voice will pronounce 
in favor of new men and new and more favorable conditions 
for the growth of industry, the extension of trade and em- 
ployment and due reward of labor and of capital, and the 
general welfare of the whole country. 

Republican Party. 

The Republicans of the United States in national conven- 
tion assembled renew their allegiance to the principles 
upon which they have triumphed in six successive presi- 
dential elections; and congratulate the American people on 



544 "^^^ NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

the attainment of so many results in legislation and ad- 
ministration by which the Kepublican party has, after sav- 
ing the union, done so much to render its institutions just, 
equal and beneficent, the safeguard of liberty and the em- 
bodiment of the best thought and highest purpose of our 
citizens. 

The Republican party has gained its strength by quick 
and faithful response to the demands of the people for the 
freedom and equality of all men ; for a united nation, assur- 
ing the rights of all citizens; for the elevation of labor; for 
an honest currency ; for purity in legislation, and for in- 
tegrity and accountability in all departments of the gov- 
ernment, and it accepts anew the duty of leading in the 
work of progress and reform. 

We lament the death of President Garfield, whose sound 
statesmanship, long conspicuous in Congress, gave promise 
of a strong and successful administration ; a promise fully 
realized during the short period of his olfice as president of 
the United States. His distinguished services in war and 
peace have endeared him to the hearts of the American 
people. 

In the administration of President Arthur we recognize a 
wise, conservative and patriotic policy, under which the 
couni^ry has been blessed with remarkable prosperity, and 
we believe his eminent services are entitled to and will 
receive the hearty approval of every citizen. 

It is the first duty of a good government to protect the 
rights and promote the interests of its own people. 

The largest diversity of industry is most productive of 
general prosperity and of the comfort and independence of 
the people. • 

We, therefore, demand that the imposition of duties o» 
foreign imports shall be made not " for revenue only," but 
that in raising the requisite revenues for the government 
such duties shall be so levied as to afford security to our 
diversified industries and protection to the rights and 
wages of the laborer, to the end that active and intelligent 
labor as well as capital may have its just reward and the 
laboring man his full share in the national prosperity. 

Against the so-called economic system of the Democratic 
party, which would degrade our labor to the foreign stand- 
ard, we enter our earnest protest. 

The Democratic party has failed completely to relieve 
the people of the burden of unnecessary taxation by a wise 
reduction of the surplus. 

The Republican party pledges itself to correct the in- 
equalities of the tariff and to reduce the surplus, not by 



REPUBLICAN, 1884. 545 

the vicious and indiscriminate process of horizontal reduc- 
tion, but by sach methods as will relieve the tax-payer 
without injuring the labor or the great productive inter- 
ests of the country. 

We recognize the importance of sheep-husbandry in the 
United States, the serious depression which it is now ex- 
periencing and the danger threatening its future prosperi- 
ty ; and we, therefore, respect the demands of the represen- 
tatives of this important agricultural interest for a read- 
justment of duties upon foreign wool in order that such 
industry shall have full and adequate protection. 

We have always recommended the best money known to 
the civilized world; and we urge that efforts should be 
made to unite all commercial nations in the establishment 
of an international standard which shall fix for all the rela- 
tive value of gold and silver coinage. 

The regulation of commerce with foreign nations and be- 
tween the states is one of the most important prerogatives 
of the general government; and the Republican party dis- 
tinctly announces its purpose to support such legislation as 
will fully and efliciently carry out the constitutional power 
of Congress over inter-state commerce. 

The principle of public regulation of railway corpora- 
tions is a wise and salutary one for the protection of all 
classes of the people, and we favor legislation that shall 
prevent unjust discrimination and excessive charges for 
transportation, and that shall secure to the people and the 
railways alike the fair and equal protection of the laws. 

We favor the establishment of a national bureau of labor; 
the enforcement of the eight hour law ; a wise and judicious 
system of general legislation by adequate appropriation 
from the national revenues, wherever the same is needed. 
We believe that everywhere the protection to a citizen of 
American birth must be secured to citizens by American 
adoption; and we favor the settlement of national differ- 
ences by international arbitration. 

The Republican party, having its birth in a hatred of 
slave labor and a desire that all men may be truly free and 
equal, is unalterably opposed to placing our workingmen in 
competition with any form of servile labor, whether at 
home or abroad. In this spirit we denounce the importa- 
tion of contract labor, whether from Europe or Asia, as an 
offence against the spirit of American institutions; and we 
pledge ourselves to sustain the present law restricting 
Chinese immigration, and to provide such further legisla- 
tion as is necessary to carry out its purposes. 

Reform of the civil service, auspiciously begun under Re- 



54^ 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



publican administration, should be completed by the fur- 
ther extension of the reform system, already established by 
law, to all the grades of the service to which it is. applicable. 
The spirit and purpose of the reform should be observed in 
all executive appointments; and all laws at variance with 
the objects of existing reform legislation should be re- 
pealed, to the end that the dangers to free institutions 
which lurk in the pow^er of official patronage may be wisely 
and effectively avoided. 

The public lands are a heritage of the people of the 
United States, and should be reserved as far as possible for 
small holdings by actual settlers. We are opposed to the 
acquisition of large tracts of these lands by corporations or 
individuals, especially where such holdings are in the 
hands of non-residents or aliens. And we will endeavor to 
obtain such legislation as will tend to correct thi.- evil. We 
demand of Congress the speedy forfeiture of all land grants 
which have lapsed by reason of non-compliance with acts 
of incorporation in all cases where there has been no at- 
tempt in good faith to perform the conditions of such 
grants. 

The grateful thanks of the American people are due to 
the union soldiers and sailors of the late war; and the Re- 
publican party stands pledged to suitable pensions for all 
who were disabled, and for the widows and orphans of those 
who died in the war. The Kepublican party also j^ledges 
itself to the repeal of the limitations contained in the 
arrears act of 1879; so that all invalid soldiers shall share 
alike, and their pensions begin with the date of disability 
or discharge, and not with the date of application. 

The Republican party favors a policy which shall keep us 
from entangling alliance with foreign nations, and which 
gives us the right to expect that foreign nations shall re- 
frain from meddling in American affairs — a policy which 
seeks peace and trade with all powers, but especially with 
those of the Western Hemisphere. 

We demand the restoration of our navy to its old-time 
strength and efficiency, that it may in any sea protect the 
rights of American citizens and the interests of American 
commerce; and we call upon Congress to remove the bur- 
dens under which American shipping has been depressed, 
so that it may again be true that we have a commerce 
w^hich leaves no sea unexplored, and a navy which takes no 
law from superior force. 

Resolved, That appointments by the president to offices 
in the territories should be made from the bona fide citizens 
iind residents of the territories wherein thev are to serve. 



PROHIBITION, 18S4. 54^ 

Resolved, That it is the duty of Congress to enact such 
laws as shall promptly and effectually suppress the system 
of polyg-amy yvithin our territories, and divorce the politi- 
cal from the ecclesiastical power of the so-called Mormon 
church; and that the laws so enacted should he rigidly en- 
forced, hj the civil authorities, if possible, and by the mili- 
tary, if need be. 

The people of the United States in their organized ca- 
pacity constitute a nation, and not an American federacy 
of states; the national government is supreme within the 
sphere of its national duties; but the states have reserved 
rights which should be faithfully maintained; each should 
be guarded with jealous care; so that the harmony of our 
system of government may be preserved and the union kept 
inviolate. 

The perpetuity of our institutions rests upon the main- 
tenance of a free ballot, an honest count, and correct re- 
turns. We denounce the fraud and violence practiced by 
the Democracy in southern states, by which the will of a 
voter is defeated, as dangerous to the preservation of free 
institutions; and we solemnly arraign the Democratic par- 
ty as being the guilty recipient of fruits of such fraud and 
violence. 

We extend to the Republicans of the South, regardless of 
their former party affiliations, our cordial sympathy; and 
pledge to them our most earnest efforts to promote the 
passage of such legislation as will secure to every citizen, 
of whatever race and color, the full and complete recogni- 
tion, possession and exercise of all civil and political rights. 

Prohibition Party. 

1. The Prohibition party, in national convention assem- 
bled, acknowledge Almighty God as the rightful sovereign 
of all men, from whom the just powers of government are 
derived and to whose laws human enactments should con- 
form as an absolute condition of peace, prosperity and hap- 
piness. 

2. That the importation, manufacture, supply and sale of 
alcoholic beverages, created and maintained by the laws of 
the national and state governments during the entire his- 
tory of such laws, are everywhere shown to be the promot- 
ing cause of intemperance, with resulting crime and pau- 
perism, making large demands upon public and private 
charity; imposing large and unjust taxation for the sup- 
port of penal aijd sheltering institutions upon thrift, in- 
dustry, manufactures and commerce; endangering the 
public peace; desecrating the Sabbath; corrupting our poH- 



548 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



tics, legislation and administration of the laws; shortening- 
lives, impairing health and diminishing productive indus- 
try; causing education to be neglected and despised; nul- 
lifying the teachings of the Bible, the church and the 
school, the standards and guides of our fathers and their 
children in the founding and growth of our widely extend- 
ed country; and which, imperiling the perpetuity of our 
civil and religious liberties, are baleful fruits by which we 
know that these laws are contrary to God's laws and contra- 
vene our happiness. We therefore call upon our fellow- 
citizens to aid in the repeal of these laws and in the legal 
suppression of this baneful liquor traffic. 

3. During the twenty-four years in which the Republi- 
can party has controlled the general government and many 
of the states, no effort has 'been made to change this policy. 
Territories have been created, governments for them es- 
tablished, states admitted to the union, and in no instance 
in either case has this traffic been forbidden or the people 
been permitted to prohibit it. That there are now over 

.200,000 distilleries, breweries, wholesale and retail dealers 
in their products, holding certificates and claiming the au- 
thority of government for the continuation of the business 
so destructive to the moral and material welfare of the peo- 
ple, together with the fact that they have turned a deaf ear 
to remonstrance and petition for the correction of tv>ls 
abuse of civil government, is conclusive that the Fcpubli- 
can party is insensible to or impotent for tb': redress of 
these wrongs, and should no longer be entrusted with the 
powers and responsibilities of government. Although this 
party in its late national convention was silent on the 
liquor question, not so its candidates, Messrs. Blaine and 
Logan. Witiiin the year past Mr. Blaine has recommended 
that the revenue derived from the liquor traffic be dis- 
tributed among tbp states; and Senator Logan has, by bill, 
proposed to devoie these revenues to the support of the 
public schools. "Thus both virtually recommend the per- 
petuation of the traffic, and that the states and their citi- 
zens become partners in the liquor crime. 

4. That the Democratic party has in its national deliver- 
ances of party policy arrayed itself on the side of the drink- 
makers and sellers by declaring against the policy of pro- 
hibition under the false name of " sumptuary laws;" that 
when in power in many of the states it has refused remedi- 
al legislation, and that in Congress it has obstructed the 
creation of a commission of inquiry into the effects of this 
traffic, proving that it should not be entrusted with power 
and place. 



PROTTTRTTION. 1884, tT/jQ 

5. That there (nn "l>e no ^realer peril to the nation tliad 

the existing competition of the Republican and Democratic 
parties for the liquor vote. Experience shows that any 
party not openly opposed to the traffic will engag-e in this 
competition, will court the favor of the criminal classes, will 
barter the public morals, the purity of the ballot and every 
trust and object of good government for party success. 
Patriots and good citizens should, therefore, immediately 
withdraw from all connection with these parties. 

6. That we favor reforms in the abolition of all sinecures 
with useless offices and officers, and in elections by the peo- 
ple instead of app(»ihtments by the president; that as com- 
petency, honesty and sobriety are essential qualifications 
for office, we oppose removals except when absolutely neces- 
sary to secure eftectiveness in vital issues; that the collec- 
tion of revenues from alcoholic liquors and tobacco should 
be abolished, since the vices of men are not proper subjects 
of taxation ; that revenues from customs duties should be 
levied for the support of the government economically ad- 
ministered, and in such manner as will foster American 
industries and labor; that the public lands should be held 
for homes for the people, and not bestowed as gifts to cor- 
porations, or sold in large tracts for speculation upon the 
needs of acmal settlers; that grateful care and support 
should be given fo our soldiers and sailors disabled in the 
service of their country, and to heir dependent widows and 
orphans; that we repudiate as un-American and contrary 
to and subversive of the principles of the Declaration of 
Independence, that any person or people should be exclud- 
ed from residence or citizenship who may desire the bene- 
fits which our institutions confer upon the oppressed of all 
nations; that while these are important reforms, and are 
demanded for purity of administration and the welfare of 
the people, their importance sinks into insignificance when 
compared with the drink traffic, which now annually 
wastes $800,000,000 of the wealth created by toil and thrift,- 
dragging down thousands of families from comfort to pov- 
erty, filling jails, penitentiaries, insane asylums, hospitals 
and institutions for dependency, impairing the healtli and 
destroying the lives of thousands, lowering, intellectual 
vigor and dulling the cunning hand of the artisan, causing 
bankruptcy, insolvency and loss in trade, and by its cor- 
rupting power endangering the perpetuity of free institu- 
tions; . that Congress should exercise its undoubted^power 
by prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intox/cating 
beverages in the District of Columbia, the territories of the 
Unite! States and' all places over which the governiaent 



55© THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

has exclusive jurisdiction; that hereafter no state should 
be admitted to the union until its constitution shall ex- 
pressly and forever prohibit polygamy and the manufacture 
and sale of intoxicating beverages, and that Congress shall 
submit to the states an amendment to the constitution for- 
ever prohibiting the importation, exportation, manufacture 
and sale of alcoholic drinks. 

7. We earnestly call the attention of the mechanic, the 
miner and manufacturer to the investigation of the bane- 
ful effects upon labor and industry of the needless liquor 
business. It will be found the robber vv'ho lessens wages 
and profits, foments discontent and strikes, and the destroy- 
er of family welfare. Labor and all legitimate industries 
demand deliverance from the taxation and loss which this 
traffic imposes; and no tariff or other legislation can so 
healthily stimulate production, or increase the demand for 
capital and labor, or insure so much of comfort and content 
to the laborer, mechanic and capitalist as would the sup- 
pression of this traffic. 

8. That the activity and co-operation of the women of 
America for the promotion of temperance has in all the 
history of the past been a strength and encouragement 
which we gratefully acknowledge and record. In the later 
and present phase of the movement for the prohibition of 
the traffic, the purity of purpose and method, the earnest- 
ness, zeal, intelligence and devotion of the mothers and 
daughters of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union 
have been eminently blessed of God. Kansas and Iowa 
have been given them as " sheaves " of rejoicing, and the 
education and arousing of the public mind, and the now 
prevailing demand for the constitutional amendment, are 
largely the fruit of their prayers and labors. Sharing in 
the efforts that shall bring the question of the abolition of 
this traffic to the polls, they shall join in the grand " Praise 
God, from whom all blessings flow," when by law victory 
shall be achieved. 

9. That, believing in the civil and political equality of 
the sexes, and that the ballot in the hands of woman is her 
right for protection and would prove a powerful ally for the 
abolition of the liquor traffic, the execution of the law, the 
promotion of reform in civil aff'airs, the removal of corrup- 
tion in public life, we enunciate the principle and relegate 
the practical outworking of this reform to the discretion of 
the Prohibition party in the several states according to the 
condition of public sentiment in those states. 

10. That we gratefully acknowledge the presence of the 
divine spirit guiding the counsels and granting the success 



NATlOiNAI. (greenback LABOr), 1884. 55^ 

which has been rouchsafed in the progress of the temper- 
ance reform ; and we earnestly ask the voters of these 
United States to make the principles of the above declara- 
tion dominant in the government of the nation. 

National (Greenback Labor) Party. 

1. That we hold the late decision of the supreme courts 
on the legal-tender question to be a full vindication of the 
theory which our party has always advocated on the right 
and authority of Congress over the issue of legal-tender 
notes, and we hereby pledge ourselves to uphold said de- 
cision, and to defend the constitution against alterations or 
amendments intended to deprive the people of any rights 
or privileges conferred by that instrument. We demand 
the issue of such money in sufficient quantities to supply 
the actual demands of trade and commerce in accordance 
with the increas-e of population and the development of our 
industries. We demand the substitution of greenbacks for 
national bank notes, and the prompt payment of the public 
debt. We want that money which saved our country in 
time of war and which has given it prosperity and happi- 
ness in peace. We condemn the retirement of the fraction- 
al currency and the small denominations of greenbacks and 
demand their restoration. We demand the issue of the 
hoards of money now locked up in the United States treas- 
ury, by applyiiig them to the payment of the public debt 
now due. 

2. We denounce as dangerous to our republican institu- 
tions those methods and policies of the Democratic and 
Republican parties which have sanctioned or permitted the 
establishment of land, railroad, money, and other gigantic 
monopolies; and we demand such governmental action as 
may be necessary to take from such monopolies the power 
they have so corruptly and unjustly usurped, and restore 
them to the people, to whom they belong. 

3. The public lands being the natural inheritance of the 
people, we denounce that policy which has granted to cor- 
porations vast tracts of land, and we demand that immedi- 
ate and vigorous measures be taken to reclaim from such 
corporations, for the people's use and benefit, all such land 
grants as have been forfeited by reason of non-fulfillment 
of contract, or that may have been wrongfully acquired by 
corrupt legislation, and that such reclainuHl lands and oth- 
er public domain be henceforth held as a sacred trust, to be 
granted only to actual settlers in limited quantities; and 
we also demand that the alien ownership of land, indivi- 
dual or corporate, shall be prohibited. 



552 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

4. We demand congressional regulations of inter-state 
commerce, we denounce " pooling," stock watering and dis- 
crimination in rates and cliarges, and demand that Con- 
gress shall correct these abuses, even, if necessary, by the 
construction of national railroads. We also demand the 
establishment of a government postal telegraph system. 

5. All private property, all forms of money and obliga- 
tions to pay money, should bear their just proportion of the 
taxes. We demand a graduated income tax. 

6. We demand the amelioration of the condition of labor 
by enforcing the sanitary law^s in industrial establish- 
ments, by the abolition of the convict labor system, by a 
rigid inspection of mines and factories, by a reduction of 
the hours of labor in industrial establishments, by foster- 
ing educational institutions and by abolishing child labor. 

7. We condemn all importations of contracted labor, 
made with a view of reducing to starvation wages the 
working men of this country, and demand laws for its pre- 
vention. 

8. We insist upon a constitutional amendment reducing 
the terms of United States senators. 

9. Wo demand such rules for the government of Congress 
as shall place all representatives of the people upon an 
equal footing, and take away from committees a veto power 
greater than that of the president. 

10. The question as to the amount of duties to be levied 
upon various articles of import has been agitated and quar- 
reled over, and has divided communities for nearly a hun- 
dred years. It is not now and never will be settled unless 
by the abolition of indirect taxation. It is a convenient 
issue — ahvays raised when the people are excited over 
abuses in their midst. While we favor a wise revision of 
the tariff laws, w^ith a view to raising a revenue from the 
luxuries, rather than necessaries, we insist that as an 
economic question its importance is insignificant as com- 
pared with financial issues; for whereas we have suffered 
our worst panics under low and also under high tariff, we 
have never suffered from a panic or seen our factories or 
W'orkshojjs closed w^hile the volume of money in circulation 
W'as adequate to the needs of commerce. Give our farmers 
and manufacturers money as cheap as you now give it to 
our bankers, and they can pay high wages to labor and 
compete with all the world. 

11. For the purpose of testing the sense of the people 
upon the subject, we are in favor of submitting to the peo- 
ple an amendment to the constitution in favor of suffrage 



REPUBLICAN, 1888. CC3 

regardless of sex, and also on the subject of the liquor 
traffic. 

12. All disabled soldiers of the late war should be equita- 
bly pensioned, and we denounce the policy of keeping a 
small army of office-holders whose only business is to pre- 
vent, on technical grounds, deserving soldiers from obtain- 
ing justice from the government they helped to save. 

13. As our name indicates, we are a national party, 
knowing no East, no West, no North, no South. Having no 
sectional prejudices, we can properly place in nomination 
for the high offices of state as candidates men from any 
section of the union. 

14. We appeal to all people who believe in our principles 
to aid us by voice, pen and votes. 



1888, 

Republican Party. 

The Republicans of the United States, as&ermbled by their 
delegates in national convention, pause on the threshold of 
their proceedings to honor the memory of their tirst great 
leader, the immortal champion of liberty and the rights of 
the people — Abraham Lincoln; and to cover also with 
wreaths of imperishable remembrance and gratitude the 
heroic names of our later leaders who have more recently 
been called away from our councils — Grant, Garfield, Ar- 
thur, Logan, Conkling. May their memories be faithfully 
cherished. We also recall with our greetings, and with 
prayer for his recovery, the name of one of our living he- 
roes, whose memory will be treasured in the history both of 
Republicans and of the republic — the name of that noble 
soldier and favorite child of victory, Philip H. Sheridan. 

In the spirit of those great leaders, and of our own de- 
votion to human liberty, and with that hostility to all forms 
of despotism and oppression which is the fundamental idea 
of the Republican party, we send fraternal congratulation 
to our fellow-Americans of Brazil upon their great act of 
emancipation, which completed the abolition of slavery 
throughout the two American continents. We earnestly 
hope that we may soon congratulate ocr fellow-citizens of 
Irish birth upon the peaceful recovery of home rule for 
Ireland. 

We reaffirm our unswerving devotion to the national con- 
stitution and to the indissoluble union of the states; to the 
autonomy reserved to the states under the constitution; to 
the personal rights and liberties of citizens in all theptates 
and territories in the union, and especially to the supreme 
and sovereign right of every lawful citizen, rich or poor. 



554 



THE JiATlOJSJAL. PLATFORMS. 



native or foreign born, white or black, to cast one free bal- 
lot in public elections and to have that ballot duly counted. 
We hold the free and honest popular ballot and the just 
and equal representation of all the people to be the founda- 
tion of our republican government, and demand effective 
legislation to secure the integrity and purity of elections, 
w^hich are the fountains of all public authority. We charge 
that the present administration and the Democratic majori- 
ty in Congress owe their existence to the suppression of 
the ballot by a criminal nullification of the constitution 
and laws of the United States. 

We are uncompromisingly in favor of the American sys- 
tem of protection ; we protest against its destruction as pro- 
posed by the president and his party. They serve the in- 
terests of Europe; we will support the interests of America. 
We accept the issue and confidently appeal to the people 
for their judgment. The protective system must be main- 
tained. Its abandonment has always been followed by 
general disaster to all interests, except those of the usurer 
and the sheriff. Vfe denounce the Mills bill as destructive 
to the general business, the labor and the farming interests 
of the country, and we heartily indorse the consistent and 
patriotic action of the Republican representatives in Con- 
gress in opposing its passage. 

We condemn the proposition of the Democratic party to 
place wool on the free list, and we insist that the duties 
thereon shall be adjusted and maintained so as to furnish 
full and adequate protection to that industry. 

The Republican party would effect all needed reduction 
of the national revenue by repealing the ta^^es upon tobac- 
co, which are an annoyance and burden to agriculture, and 
the tax upon spirits used in the arts and for mechanical 
purposes, and by such revision of the tariff laws as will 
tend to check imports of such articles as are produced by 
our people, the production of which gives employment to 
our labor, and release from import duties those articles of 
foreign production (except luxuries) the like of which can- 
not be produced at home. If there shall still remain a 
larger revenue than is requisite for the wants of the gov- 
ernment, we favor the entire repeal of internal taxes rath- 
er than the surrender of any part of our protective system, 
at the joint behests of the whisky trusts and the agents of 
foreign manufactures. 

We declare our hostility to the introduction into this 
country of foreign contract labor and of Chinese labor, 
alien to our civilization and our constitution, and we de- 
mand the rigid enforcement of the existing laws against it, 



REPUBLICAN, 1888. 555 

and favor such immediate legislation as will exclude such 
labor from our shoreSo 

We declare our opposition to all combinations of capital, 
organized in trusts or otherwise, to control arbitrarily the 
condition of trade among our citizens; and we recommend 
to Congress and the stale legislatures, in their respective 
jurisdictions, such legislation as will prevent the execu- 
tion of all schemes to oppress the peoi^le by undue charges 
on their supplies, or by unjust rates for the transportation 
~6f their products to market. We approve the legislation by 
Congress to prevent alike unjust burdens and unfair dis- 
criminations between the states. 

We reaffirm the policy of appropriating the public lands 
of the United States to be homesteads for American citizens 
and settlers, not aliens, which the Republican party estab- 
lished in 1862, against the persistent opposition of the 
Democrats in Conij:ress, and which has brought our great 
Western domain into such magnificent development. The 
restoration of unearned railroad land grants to the public 
domain for the use of actual settlers, which was begun un- 
der the administration of President Arthur, should be con- 
tinued. We deny that the Democratic party has ever re- 
stored one acre to the people, but declare that by the joint 
action of the Republicans and Democrats about 50,000,000 of 
acres of unearned lands originally granted for the con- 
struction of railroads have been restored to the public 
domain, in pursuance of the conditions inserted by the 
Republican party in the original grants. We charge the 
Democratic administration with failure to execute the laws 
securing to settlers title to their homesteads, and with 
using appropriations made for that purpose to harass inno- 
cent settlers with spies and prosecutions under the false 
pretence of exposing frauds and vindicating the law. 

The government by Congress of the territories is based 
upon necessity only, to the end that they may become 
states in the union; therefore, whenever the conditions of 
population, material resources, public intelligence and 
morality are such as to insure a stable local government 
therein, the people of such territories should be permitted, 
as a right inherent in them, the right to form for them- 
selves constitutions and state governments, and be admit- 
ted into the union. Pending the preparation for statehood 
all officers thereof should be selected from the bona fide 
residents and citizens of the territory wherein they are to 
serve. 

South Dakota should of right be immediately admitted 
as a state in the union, under the constitution framed and 



556 



THE XAT10^"AL TLATFORMS. 



adopted by her people, and we heartily indorse the action 
of the Kepublican senate in twice passing bills for her ad- 
mission. "The refusal of the Democratic house of represent- 
atives, for partisan purposes, to favorably consider these 
bills, is a willful violation of the sacred American principle 
of local self-government, and merits the condemnation of 
all just men. The pending bills in the senate for acts to 
enable the people of AVashington, North Dakota and Mon- 
tana territories to form constitutions and establish state 
governments should be passed without unnecessary delay. 
The Kepublican party pledges itself to do all in its power 
to facilitate the admission of the territories of Xew Mexi- 
co, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona to the enjoyment of self- 
government as states, such of them as are now qualified as 
soon as possible, and the others as soon as they may be- 
come so. 

The political power of the Mormon church in the terri- 
tories as exercised in the past is a menace to free institu- 
tions, a danger no longer to be sutl'ered. Therefore we 
pledge the Republican party to appropriate legislation, 
asserting the sovereignty of the nation in all territories 
where tne same is questioned, and in furtherance of that 
end to place upon the statute books legislation stringent 
enough to divorce the political from the ecclesiastical 
power, and thus stamp out the attendant wickedness of 
polygamy. 

The Kepublican party is in favor of the use of both gold 
and silver as money, and condemns the policy of the Demo- 
cratic administration in its eti'orts to demonetize silver. 

We demand the reduction of letter postage to one cent 
per ounce. 

In a republic like ours, where the citizen is the sovereign 
and the official the servant, where no power is exercised 
except by the will of the people, it is important that the 
sovereign — the people — should possess intelligence. The 
free school is the promoter of that intelligence which is to 
preserve us a free nation; therefore the state or nation, or 
both combined, should support free institutions of learning 
sufficient to afford to every child growing up in the land 
the opportunity of a good common school education. 

We earnestly recommend that prompt action be taken by 
Congress in the enactment of such legislation as will best 
secure the rehabilitation of our American merchant ma- 
rine, and we protest against the passage by Congress of a 
free ship bill, as calculated to work injustice to labor by 
lessening the wages of those engaged in preparing materi- 
als as well as those directly employed in our shipyards. 



KKl'UBLICA.N, 1888. 557 

We demand appropriations for the early rebuilding of out 
navy; for the construction of coast fortifications and mod- 
ern ordnance and other approved modern means of defence 
for the protection of our defenceless harbors and cities; for 
the payment of just pensions to our soldiers; for the neces- 
sary works of national importance in the improve jiant of 
harbors and the channels of internal, coastwise and foreign 
commerce; for the encouragement of the shipping interests 
of the Atlantic;, Gulf and l*acitic states, as well as for the 
payment of the maturing public debt. This policy will 
give employment to our labor, activity to our various indus- 
tries, int^rease the security of our country, promote trade, 
open new and direct markets for our jjroduce, and cheapen 
the cost of transportation. We affirm this to be far better 
for our country than the Democratic policy of loaning the 
government's money without interest to " pet banks." 

The conduct of foreign affairs by the present administra- 
tion has been distinguished by its inefficiency and its 
cowardice. Having withdrawn from the senate all pending 
treaties effected by Republican administrations for the re- 
moval of foreign burdens and restrictions upon our com- 
merce and for its extension into better markets, it has nei- 
ther effected nor proposed any others in their stead. Pro- 
fessing adherence to the Monroe doctrine, it has seen with 
idlti camplacency the extension of foreign influence in 
Central America and of foreign trade everywhere among 
our neighbors. It has refused to charter, sanction, or en- 
courage any American organization for constructing the 
Nicaragua canal, a work of vital importance to the main- 
tenance of the Monroe doctrine, and of our national intlu- 
ence in Central and South America; and necessary for the 
development of trade with our Pacific territory, with South 
America, and with the islands and further coasts of the 
Pacific Ocean. 

We arraign the present Democratic administration for 
its weak and unpatriotic treatment of the fisheries ques- 
tion, and its pusillanimous surrender of the essential privi- 
leges to which our fishing vessels are entitled in Canadian 
ports under the treaty of 181 8, the reciprocal maritime legis- 
lation of 1830 and the comity of nations, and which Cana- 
dian fishing vessels receive in the ports of the Tnited 
States. We condemn the policy of the present adminis- 
tration and the Democratic majority in Congress toward 
our fisheries as unfriendly and conspicuously unpatriotic, 
and as tending to destroy a valuable national industry and 
an indispensable resource of defence against a foreign 
enemy. The name of American applies alike to aU citi- 



55^ THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

zens of the republic and imposes upon all alike the same 
obligation of obedience to the laws. At the same time that 
citizenship is and must be the panoply and safeguard of 
him who wears it, and protect him, whether high or low, 
rich or poor, in all his civil rights. It should and must 
afford him protection at home, and follow and protect hini 
abroad in whatever land he may be on a lawful errand. 

The men who abandoned the Kepublian party in 1884 and 
continue to adhere to the Democratic party have deserted 
not only the cause of honest government, of sound finance, 
of freedom, of purity of the ballot, but especially have de- 
serted the cause of reform in the civil service. We will 
not fail to keep our pledges because they have broken theirs, 
or because their candidate has broken his. We therefore 
repeat our declaration of 1884, to wit : " The reform of the 
civil service auspiciously begun under the Republican ad- 
ministration should be completed by the further extension 
of the reform system already established by law to all the 
grades of the service to which it is applicable. The spirit 
and purpose of the reform should be observed in all execu- 
tive appointments, and all laws at variance with the object 
of existing reform legislation should be repealed, to the 
end that the dangers to free institutions which lurk in the 
power of official patronage may be wisely and effectually 
avoided." 

The gratitude of the nation to the defenders of the union 
cannot be measured by lav,s. The legislation of Congress 
should conform to the pledge made by a loyal people, and 
be so enlarged and extended as to provide against the pos- 
sibility that any man who honorably wore the Federal 
uniform should become the inmate of an almshouse, or de- 
pendent upon private charity. In the presence of an over- 
flowing treasury it would be a public scandal to do less for 
those whose valorous service preserved the government. 
We denounce the hostile spirit of President Cleveland in 
his numerous vetoes of measures for pension relief, and 
the action of the Democratic iiouse of representatives in 
refusing even a consideration of general pension legisla- 
tion. 

In support of the principles herewith enunciated, we in- 
vite the co-operation of patriotic men of all parties, and 
especially of all workingmen, whose prosperity is seriously 
threatened by the free-trade policy of the present admin- 
istration. 

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOLUTION. 

The first concern of all good government is the virtue 
and sobriety of the people and the purity of their homes. 



DEMOCRATIC, lS88. 559 

The Republican party cordially sympathizes with all wise 
and well-directed efforts for the promotion of temperance 
and morality. 

Democratic Party. 

The Democratic party of the United States, in national 
convention assembled, renews the pledge of its fidelity to 
Democratic faith, and reaffirms the platform Adopted by its 
representatives at the convention of 1884, and indorses the 
views expressed by President Cleveland in his last earnest 
message to Congress as the correct interpretation of that 
platform upon the question of tariff reduction, and also en- 
dorses the efforts of our Democratic representatives in 
Congress to secure a reduction of excessive taxation. 

Chief among its principles of party faith are the mainte- 
nance of an indissoluble union of free and indestructible 
states, now about to enter upon its second century of unex- 
ampled progress and renown; devotion to a plan of gov- 
ernment regulated by a written constitution, strictly speci- 
fying every granted power and expressly reserving to the 
states or people the entire ungranted residue of power; the 
encouragement of a jealous popular vigilance directed to 
all who have been chosen for brief terms to enact and exe- 
cute the laws, and are charged with the duty of preserving 
peace, insuring equality and establishing justice. 

The Democratic party welcomes an exacting scrutiny of 
the administration of the executive power, which four years 
ago was committed to its trust in the selection of Grrover 
Cleveland president of the United States, but it challenges 
the most searching scrutiny concerning its fidelity and de- 
votion to the pledges which then invited the suffrages of 
the people. During a most critical period of our financial 
affairs, resulting from over taxation, the anomalous condi- 
tion of our currency, and a public debt unmatured it has, 
by the adoption of a wise and conservative course, not only 
averted disaster, but greatly promoted the prosperity of 
the people. 

It has reversed the improvident and unwise policy of the 
Republican party touching the public domain, and has re- 
claimed from corporations and syndicates, alien and do- 
mestic, and restored to the people nearly 100,000,000 acres 
of valuable land, to be sacredly held as homesteads for our 
citizens. 

While carefully guarding the interests of the tax-payers 
and conforming strictly to the principles of justice and 
equity, it has paid out more for pensions and bounties to 
the soldiers and sailors of the republic than was ever paid 
before during an equal period. 



560 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

It has adopted and consistently pursued a firm and pru- 
dent foreign policy, preserving peace with all nations while 
scrupulously maintaining all the rights and interests of our 
own government and people at home and abroad. The ex- 
clusion from our shores of Chinese laborers has been ef- 
fectually secured under the provisions of a treaty the 
operation of which has been postponed by the action of a 
Republican majority in the senate. 

Honest reform in the civil service has been inaugurated 
and maintained by President Cleveland, and he has brought 
the public service to the highest standard of efficiency, not 
only by rule and precept, but by the example of his own 
untiring and unselfish administration of public affairs. 

In every branch and department of the government un- 
der Democratic control the rights and the welfare of all the 
people have been guarded and defended; every public in- 
terest has been protected, and the equality of all our citi- 
zens before the law without regard to race or color has been 
steadfastly maintained. Upon its record thus exhibited 
and upon the pledge of a continuance to the people of these 
benefits, the Democracy invokes a renewal of popular trust 
by the re-election of a chief magistrate who has been faith- 
ful, able and prudent. We invoke in addition to that trust 
the transfer also to the Democracy of the entire legislative 
power. 

The Republican party, controlling ♦he senate and resist- 
ing in both houses of Congress a reformation of unjust and 
unequal tax laws which have outlasted the necessities of 
war and are now undermining the abundance of a long 
peace, deny to the people equality before t'lie law and the 
fairness and the justice which are their right. Then the 
cry of American labor for a better share in the rewards of 
industry is stifled with false pretenses, enterprise is fet- 
tered and bound down to home markets, capital is discour- 
aged with doubt, and unequal, unjust laws can neither be 
properly amended nor repealed. The Democratic party 
will continue with all the power confided to it the strug- 
gle to reform these laws in -accordance with the pledges of 
its last platform, indorsed at the ballot box by the suf- 
frages of the people. 

Of all the industrious freemen of our land the immense 
majority, including every tiller of the soil, gain no advan- 
tage from excessive tax laws, but the price of nearly every- 
thing they buy is increased by the favoritism of an unequal 
system of tax legislation. All unnecessary taxation is un- 
just taxation. It is repugnant to the creed of Democracy 
that by such taxation the cost of the necessaries of life 



DEMOCRATIC, 1888. 561 

should be unjustifiably increased to all our people. Judged 
by Democrat ic principles, the interests of the people are be- 
trayed when, by unnecessary taxation, trusts and combina- 
tions are permitted to exist, which, while unduly enriching 
the few that combine, rob the body of our citizens by de- 
priving them of the benefits of na' ural competition. 

Every Democratic rule of governmental action is violated 
when, through unnecessary taxation, a vast sum of money 
far beyond the needs of an economical administration is 
drawn from the people and the channels of trade and a(^cu- 
niulated as a demoralizing surplus in the national treasury. 
The money now lying idle in the general treasury, result- 
ing from superfluous taxation, amounts to more that one 
hundred and twenty-five millions, and the surplus collect- 
ed is reaching the sum of more than sixty millions annual- 
ly. Debauched by this immense temptation, the remedy of 
the Republican party is to meet and exhaust by extrava- 
gant appropriation and expenses, whether constitutional 
or not, the accumulation of extravagant taxation. The 
Democratic policy is to enforce frugality in public ex- 
pense and abolish unnecessary taxation. 

Our established domestic industries and enterprises 
should not and need not be endangered by the reduction 
and correction of the burdens of taxation. On the contrary, 
a fair and careful revision of our tax laws, with due allow- 
ance for the difference between the wages of American and 
foreign labor, must promote and encourage every branch 
of such industries and enterprises by giving them assurance 
of an extended market and steady and continuous opera- 
tions. In the interests of American labor, which should in 
no event be neglected, the revision of our tax laws contem- 
plated by the Democratic party should promote the advan- 
tage of such labor by cheapening the cost of necessaries of 
life iji the home of every workingman, and at the same- 
time securing to him steady and remunerative employment. 
Upon this question of tariff reform, so closely concerning 
every phase of our national life, and upon every question 
involved in the problem of good government the Demo- 
cratic party submits its principles and professions to the 
intelligent suffrages of the American people. 

Resolved, That this convention hereby endorses and 
recommends the early passage of the bill for the reduction 
of the revenue now pending in the house of representa- 
tives. 

Resolved, That a just and liberal policy should be pur- 
sued in reference to the territories; that right of self-gov- 
ernment is inherent in the people and guaranteed under 



56: 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



the constitution; that the territories of Washington, Dako- 
ta, Montana and New Mexico are by virtue of population and 
development entitled to admission into the union as states, 
and vs^e unqualifiedly condemn the course of the Republi- 
can party in refusing statehood and self-government to 
their people. 

Resolved, That we express our cordial sympathy with the 
struggling people of all nations in their efforts to secure 
for themselves the inestimable blessings of self-government 
and civil and religious liberty, and we especially declare 
our sympathy with the efforts of those noble patriots who, 
led by Gladstone and Parnell, have conducted their grand 
and peaceful contest for home rule in Ireland. 

Prohibition Party. 

The Prohibition party, in national convention assembled, 
acknowledging Almighty God as the source of all power in 
government, does hereby declare: 

1. That the manufacture, importation, exportation, 
transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages should be 
made public crimes and prohibited as such. 

2. That such prohibition must be secured through 
amendments to our national and state constitutions, en- 
forced by adequate laws adequately supported by adminis- 
trative authority, and to this end the organization of the 
Prohibition party is imperatively demanded in state and 
nation. 

3. That any form of license, taxation, or regulation of 
the liquor traffic is contrary to good government; that any 
party which supports regulation, license or taxation enters 
into an alliance with such traffic and becomes the actual 
foe of the state's welfare, and that we arraign the Republi- 
can and Democratic parties for their present attitude in 
favor of licensed iniquity, whereby they oppose the de- 
mand of the people for prohibition, and through open com- 
plicity with the liquor crime defeat the enforcement of the 
law. 

4 For the immediate abolition of the internal revenue 
system, whereby our national government is deriving sup- 
port from our greatest national vice. 

5. That, an adequate public revenue being necessary, it 
may properly be raised by import duties, but import duties 
should be so reduced that no surplus shall be accumulated 
in the treasury, and the burdens of taxation should'be re- 
moved from foods, clothing and other comforts and neces- 
saries of life, and imposed on such other articles of import as 



PROHIBITION, lS8S. 563 

will give protection to the manufacturing employer and pro- 
ducing laborer against the cornpi'tition of the world.* 

6. That the right of suffrage rests on no mere circum- 
stance of race, color, sex or nationality, and that where, 
from any cause, it has been withheld from citizens who are 
of suitable age and mentally and morally qualified for the 
exercise of an intelligent ballot, it should be restored by 
the people through the legislatures of the several states on 
such educational basis as tliey may deem w.se. 

7 That civil service appointments for all civil offices, 
chiefly clerical in their duties, should be based upon moral, 
intellectual and physical qualifications, and not upon party 
service or party necessity. 

8. For tlie abolition of polygamy and the establishment 
of uniform laws governing marriage and divorce. 

9. For prohibiting all combinations of capital to control 
and to increase the cost of products for popular consump- 
tion 

10. For the preservation and defense of the Sabbath as a 
civil institution, without oppressing any who religiously 
observe the same on any other than the first day of the 
week, 

n That arbitration is the Christian, wise and economi- 
cal method of settling national differences, and the same 
method should, by judicious legislation, be applied to the 
settlement of disputes between large bodies of employes 
and employers; that the abolition of the saloon would re- 
move the burdens, moral, physical, pecuniary and social, 
which now oppress labor and rob it of its earnings, and 
would prove to be the wise and successful way of promot- 
ing labor reform; and we invite labor and capital to unite 
with us for the accomplishment thereof; that monopoly in 
land is a wrong to the people, and public land should be 
reserved to actual settlers, and that men and women should 
receive equal wages for equal work. 

12. That our immigration laws should be so enforced as 
to prevent the introduction of all convicts, inmates of oth- 
er dependent institutions, and others physically incapaci- 
tated for self-support, and that no person shall have the 
oallot in any state who is not a citizen of the United Gtates. 

13. Recognizing and declaring that the prohibition of 
the liquor traflic has become the dominant issue in national 



*The italicized portion of the 5th plank was adopted in haste on the even- 
ing of the last day, without being referred to the 'committee on resolutions, 
as provided by the order of business. It is claimed that this clause was not 
legally adopted by the convention, and is not properly a part of the piat- 
iorm. 



5% 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



politics, we invite to full party fellowship all those who on 
this one dominant issue are with us agreed, in the full be- 
lief ihat this party can and will remove sectional differ- 
ences, promote national unity, and insure the best welfare 
of our entire land. 

Union Labor Party. 

General discontent prevails on the part of the wealth pro- 
ducers. Farmers are suffering from a poverty which has 
forced most of them lo mortgage their estates, and the 
prices of products are so low as to offer no relief except 
through bankruptcy, and laborers are sinking into greater 
dependence. Strikes are resorted to without relief because 
of the inability of employers in many cases to pay living 
wages, while more and' more are driven into the street. 
Business men find collections almost impossible, and mean- 
time hundreds of millions of idle public money which is 
needed for relief is locked up in the United States treasury 
or placed without interest in favored banks in grim mock- 
ery of distress. Land monopoly flourishes as never before, 
and more owners of the soil are daily becoming tenants. 
Great transportation corporations still succeed in extorting 
their profits on watered stock through unjust charges. 
The United States senate has become an open scandal, its 
membership being purchased by the rich in open defiance 
of the popular will. Various efforts are made to squander 
the public money, which are designed to empty the treas- 
ury without paying the public debt. Under these and other 
alarming conditions we appeal to the people of our country 
to come out of old party organizations, whose indifference 
to the public welfare is responsible for this distress, and 
aid the Union Labor party to repeal existing class legisla- 
tion and relieve the distress of our industries by establish- 
ing the following principles : 

While we believe that the proper solution of the financial 
question will greatly i-elieve those now in danger of losing 
their homes by mortgages and foreclosures, and enable all 
industrious persons to secure a home as the highest result 
of civilization, we oppose land monopoly in every form, de- 
mand the forfeiture of unearned grants, the limitation of 
land ownership, and such other legislation as will stop 
speculations in lands and holding it unu§ed from those 
whose necessities require it. 

We believe the earth was made for the people, and not to 
enable an idle aristocracy to subsist through rents upon the 
toil of the industrious, and that corners in land are as bad 



UNION LABOR, 1 888. 565 

as corners in food, and that those who are not residents 
or citizens should not be allowed to own lands In the 
United States. A homestead should be exempt to a limited 
extent from execution or taxation. 

The means of communication and transportation shall be 
owned by the people, as is the United States postal service. 

The establishment of a national monetary system in the 
interests of the producer, instead of the speculator and 
usurer, by which the circulating- medium, in necessary 
quantity and full legal tender, shall be issued directly to the 
people, without the intervention of banks, or loaned to citi- 
zens upon land security at a low rate of interest, to relieve 
them from extortions of usury and enable them to control 
the money supply. Postal savings banks should be estab- 
lished. While we have free coinage of gold, we should hav^* 
free coinage of silver. We demand the immediate applica- 
tion of all the money in the United States treasury to the 
payment of the bonded debt, and condemn the further issue 
of interest-bearing bonds, either by the national govern- 
ment or by states, territories, or municipalities. 

Arbitration should take the place of strikes and other in- 
jurious methods of settling labor disputes. T) e letting 
of contract labor to contractors should be prohibited, the 
contract system be abolished in public works, the hours 
of labor in industrial establishments be reduced, com- 
mensurate with the increased production by labor- 
saving machinery, employes protected from bodily 
injury, equal pay for equal work for both sexes, and labor, 
agricultural and co-operative associations be fostered and 
encouraged by law. The foundations of a republic is in the 
intelligence of its citizens, and children who are driven in- 
to workshops, mines and factories are deprived of the edu- 
cation which should be secured to all by proper legislation. 

We demand the passage of a service pension bill to every 
honorably discharged soldier and sailor of the United 
States. 

A graduated income tax is the most equitable system of 
taxation, placing the burden of government on those who 
can best afford to pay, instead of laying it on the farmers 
and producers, and exempting millionaire bondholders and 
corporations. 

We demand a constitutional amendment making United 
States senators elective by a direct vote of the people. 

We demaild the strict enforcement of laws prohibiting 
the importation of subjects of foreign countries under 
contract. 

We demand the passage and enforcement of such legisla- 



566 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

tion as will absolutely exclude the Chinese from the United 
States. 

The right to vote is inherent in citizenship, irrespective 
of sex, and is properly within the province of state legis- 
lation. 

The paramount issues to be solved in the interests of hu- 
manity are the abolitions of usury, monopoly, and trusts, 
and we denounce the Democratic and Republican parties 
for creating and perpetuating these monstrous evils. 

^ United Labor Party. 

We, the delegates of the United Labor party of the 
United States in national convention assembled, hold that 
the corruptions of government and the impoverishment of 
the masses result from neglect of the self-evident truths 
proclaimed by the founders of this republic, that all men 
are created equal and are endowed with inalienable rights. 
We aim at the abolition of the system which compels men 
to pay their fellow creatures for the use of the common 
bounties of nature, and permits monopolizers to deprive 
labor of natural opportunities for employment. 

We see access to farming land denied to labor except on 
payment of exorbitant rent or the acceptance of mortgage 
burdens, and labor, thus forbidden to employ itself, driven 
into the cities. We see the wage-workers of the cities sub- 
jected to this unnatural competition and forced to pay an 
exorbitant share of their scanty earnings for cramped and 
unhealthful lodgings. We see the same intense competi- 
tion condemning the great majority of business and pro- 
fessional men to a bitter and often unavailing struggle to 
avoid bankruptcy, and that while the price of all that labor 
produces ever falls, the price of land ever rises. We trace 
these evils to a fundamental wrong — the making of the 
land on which all must live the exclusive property of but a 
portion of the community. To this denial of natural rights 
are due want of employment, low wages, business depres- 
sions, that intense competition which makes it so difficult 
for the majority of men to get a comfortable living, and 
that wrongful distribution of wealth which is producing 
the millionaire on one side and the tramp on the other. 

To give all men an interest in the land of their country; 
to enable all to share in the benefits of social growth and 
improvement; to prevent the shutting out of labor from 
employment by the monopolization of natural opportuni- 
ties; to do away with the one-sided competition which cuts 
down wages to starvation rates; to restore life to business 
and prevent periodical depressions; to do away with that 



UNITED LABOR, 1888. 567 

monstrous injustice which deprives producers of the fruits 
of their toil while idlers grow rich; to prevent the conflicts 
which are arraying class against class, and which are 
fraught with menacing dangers to society, we propose so to 
change the existing system of taxation that no one shall be 
taxed on the wealth he produces, nor any one suffered to 
appropriate wealth he does not produce by taking to him- 
self the increasing values which the growth of society adds 
to land. What we propose is not the disturbing of any man 
in his holding or title; but, by taxation of land according 
to its value and not according to its area, to devote to com- 
mon use and benefit those values which arise not from the 
exertion of the individual, but from the growth of society, 
and to abolish all taxes on industry and its products. This 
increased taxation of land values must, while relieving the 
working farmer and small homestead owner of the undue 
burdens now imposed upon them, make it unprofitable to 
hold land for speculation, and thus tnrow open abundant 
opportunities for the employment of labor and the building 
up of homes. 

We would do away with the present unjust and wasteful 
system of finance which piles up hundreds of millions of 
dollars in treasury vaults while we are paying interest on 
an enormous debt; and we would establish in its stead a 
monetary system in which a legal tender circulating medi- 
um should be issued by the government without the inter- 
vention of banks. 

We wish to abolish the present unjust and wasteful sys- 
tem of ownership of railroads and telegraphs by private 
corporations — a system which, while failing to supply ade- 
quately public needs, impoverishes the farmer, oppresses 
the manufacturer, hampers the merchant, impedes travel 
and communication, and builds up enormous fortunes and 
corrupting monopolies that are becoming more powerful 
than the government itself. For this system we would sub- 
stitute government ownership and control for the benefit of 
the whole people instead of private profit. 

While declaring the foregoing to be the fundamental 
principles and aims of the United Labor party, and while 
conscious that no reform can give effectual and permanent 
relief to labor that does not involve the legal recognition 
of equal rights to natural opportunities, we, nevertheless, 
as measures of relief from some of the evil effects of ignor- 
ing those rights, favor such legislation as may tend to re- 
duce the hours of labor, to prevent the employment of chil- 
dren of tender years, io avoid the competition of convict 
labor with honest industry, to secure the sanitary inspec- 



568^ THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

tion of tenements, factories and mines, and to put an end to 
the abuse of conspiracy laws. 

We desire also to so simplify the procedure of our courts 
and diminish the expense of legal proceedings that the 
poor may therein be placed on an equality with the rich, 
and the long delays which now result in scandalous mis- 
carriages of justice may be prevented. 

Since the ballot is the only means by which in our repub- 
lic the redress of political and social grievances is to be 
sought, we especially and emphatically declare for the 
adoption of what is known as the Australian system of 
voting, in order that the effectual secrecy of the ballot, and 
the relief of candidates for public office from the heavy ex- 
penses now imposed upon them, may prevent bribery and 
intimidation, do away with practical discriminations in 
favor of the rich and unscrupulous, and lessen the perni- 
cious influence of money in politics. 

We denounce the Democratic and Republican parties as 
hopelessly and shamelessly corrupt, and, by reason of their 
affiliations with monopolies, equally unworthy of the suf- 
frages of those who do not live upon public plunder; we 
therefore require of those who would act with us that they 
sever all connections with both. 

In support of these aims, we solicit the co-operation of 
all patriotic citizens who, sick of the degradation of poli- 
tics, desire by constitutional methods to establish justice, 
to preserve liberty, to extend the spirit of fraternity, and 
to elevate humanity. 

American Party. 

Believing that the time has arrived when a due regard 
for the present and future prosperity of our country makes 
it imperative that the people of the United States of Ameri- 
ca should take full and entire control of their government, 
to the exclusion of revolutionary and incendiary foreigners 
now seeking our shores from every quarter of the world, 
and recognizing that the first and most important duty of 
an American citizen is to maintain this government in all 
attainable purity and strength, we make the following dec- 
laration of principles : 

Resolved, That all law-abiding citizens of the United 
States of America, whether native or foreign born, are 
political equals (except as provided by the constitution), 
and all are entitled to and should receive the full protec- 
tion of the laws. 

Whereas, There are seventeen states in this union where- 
in persons are allowed to vote at all elections without being 



AMERICAN, 1888. 569 

citizens of the United States; and, whereas, such a system 
tends to place the management of the government into the 
hands of those who owe no allegiance to our political insti- 
tutions; therefore, 

Resolved, That the constitution of the United States 
should be so amended as to prohibit the federal and state 
governments from conferring upon any person the right to 
vote unless such person be a citizen of the United States. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of fostering and encourag- 
ing American industries of every class and kind; that the 
issue of " protection " versus " free trade " is a fraud and a 
snare. The best " protection " is that which protects the 
labor and life-blood of the republic from the degrading 
competitioi with and contamination by imported foreign- 
ers; and the most dangerous " free trade " is that in pau- 
pers, criminals, communists and anarchists, in which the 
balance has always been against the United States. 

Whereas, One of the greatest evils of unrestricted foreign 
immigration is the reduction of the wages of American 
workingmen and American workingwomen to the level of 
the underfed and underpaid laborer of foreign countries; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That we demand that no immigrant shall be 
admitted into the United States without a passport "ob- 
tained from the American consul at the port from which he 
sails; that no passport shall be issued to any pauper, crimi- 
nal or insane person, or to any person who, in the judg- 
ment of the consul, is not likely to become a desirable citi- 
zen of the United States; and that for each emigrant pass- 
port there shall be collected by the consul issuing the same 
the sum of $100, to be by him paid into the treasury of the 
United States. 

Resolved, That all persons not in sympathy with our gov- 
ernment should be prohibited from immigration to these 
United States. 

Resolved, That the naturalization laws of tfie United 
States should be unconditionally repealed. 

Resolved, That the soil of America should belong to 
Americans; that no alien non-resident should be permitted 
to own real estate in the.United States, and that the realty 
])OS3essions of the resident alien should be limited in value 
and area. 

Resolved, That we favor educating the boys and girls of 
American citizens as mechanics and artisans, thus litting 
them for the places now filled by foreigners, who supply 
the greater part of our skilled labor, and thereby almost en- 
tirely control the great industries of our country, save, per- 



570 THE NATIONAL PLATFORM.S. 

haps, that of agriculture alone; and that our boys and girls 
may be taught trades, we demand the establishment and 
maintenance of free technical schools. 

Resolved, That universal education is a necessity of our 
government, and that an American free-school system 
should be maintained and preserved as the safeguard of 
American liberty. 

Resolved, That no language except the English shall be 
taught in the common schools supported at the public ex- 
pense. 

Whereas, Unemployed population is the greatest evif that 
can befall any nation, and in this country it cannot be 
eliminated by any European methods, such as extra police 
and standing armies; therefore, 

Resolved, That the surplus in the treasury should be de- 
voted to the material improvement of our coast and frontier 
defenses and the construction of an American navy in 
American workshops by American labor. 

Resolved, That we demand the enactment of a law which 
shall require all persons having charge in any way, in any 
department, bureau or division of the government, to forth- 
with dismiss from the public service all persons employed 
in or about any such department, bureau or division, in any 
way or manner, who are not citizens of the United States 
by nativity or by having fully completed their naturaliza- 
tion papers by due process of law; that no person shall be 
appointed to or hold office or place in the service of the 
United States who is not a citizen of the United States, 
either by having fully completed his naturalization and 
taken out his final papers by due form and process of law, 
or who is not a citizen of th^ United States by nativity. 

Resolved, That after the year 1898 it shall be required of 
every voter, before he exercises the right of suffrage, to be 
able to read the written or printed constitution of the 
United States in the English language and to write his own 
name upon the register, to show that he is fitted to share 
the administration of the republic. 

Resolved, That we recognize the right of labor to organ- 
ize for its protection, and by all lawful and peaceful means 
to secure to itself the greatest reward for its thrift and in- 
dustry, and we believe in governmental arbitration in the 
settlement of industrial differences. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of such legislation by 
Congress as will re-establish the American marine. 

Resolved, That no flag shall float over any public build- 
ing — municipal, state or national — in the United States ex- 
cept the stars and stripes. 



DEMOCRATIC, 1892. ^^I 

Resolved, That we reassert the American principles of 
absolute freedom of religious worship and belief; the per- 
manent separation of church and state; and we oppose the 
appropriation of public money or property to any church 
or institution administered by a church. We main ain that 
all church jjroperty should be subject to taxation. 

Besolved, That the presidential term shall be extended to 
six years, and the president shall be ineligible for re-elec- 
tion. 

Resolved, That the American party declares that it recog- 
nizes no North, no South, no East, no West, in these United 
States, but one people, pledged to our liberty and our inde- 
pendence. 

1892. 

Democratic Party. 

Sec. 1. The representatives of the Democratic party of 
the United States, in national convention assembled, do re- 
afhrm their allegiance to the principles of the party as 
formulated by Jefferson and exemplified by the long and 
illustrious line of successors in Democratic leadership from 
Madison to Cleveland; we believe the public welfare de- 
mands that these principles be applied to the conduct of 
the federal government through accession to power of the 
party that advocates them; and we solemnly declare that 
the need of a return to these fundamental principles of a 
free, popular government, based on home rule and indivi- 
vidual liberty, was never more urgent than now, when the 
tendency to centralize all power at the federal capital has' 
become a menace to the reserved rights oX the states that 
strikes at the very roots of our government, and under the 
constitution, as framed by the fathers of the republic. 

Sec. 2. We warn the people of our common country, 
jealous for the preservation of their free institutions, that 
the policy of the federal control of elections to which the 
Republican party has committed itself is fraught with the 
gravest dangers, scarcely less momentous than would re- 
sult from a revolution practically establishing monarchy 
on the ruins of the republic. It strikes at the North as well 
as at the South, and injures the colored citizen even more 
than the white; it means a horde of deputy marshals at 
every polling place, armed with federal power, returning 
boards appointed and controlled by federal authority, the 
outrage of the electoral rights of the people in the several 
states, the subjugation of the colored people to the control 
of the party in power and the reviving of race antagonisms 



^^2 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

now happily abated, of the utmost peril to the safety and 
happiness of all: a measure deliberately and justly de- 
scribed by a leading Republican senator as " the most infa- 
mous bilf that ever crossed the threshold of the senate.'' 
Such a policy, if sanctioned by law, would mean the domi- 
nance of a self-perpetuating oligarchy of office-holders, and 
the party first entrusted with its machinery could be dis- 
lodged from power onlj' by an appeal to the reserved right 
of the people to resist oppression, which is inherent in all 
self-governing communities. Two years ago this revolution- 
ary policy was emphatically condemned by the people at 
the polls: t)ut, in contempt of the verdict, the Republican 
party has defiantly declared in its latest authoritative ut- 
terance that its success in the coming elections will mean 
the enactment of the force bill and the usurpation of des- 
potic control over elections in all the states. Believing 
that the preservation of republican government in the 
United States is dependent upon the defeat of this policy of 
legalized force and fraud, we invite the assistance of all 
citizens who desire to see the constitution maintained in 
its integrity with the laws pursuant thereto which have 
given our country a hundred years of unexampled pros- 
perity, and we pledge the Democratic party, if it be intrust- 
ed wfth power, not only to the defeat of the force bill, bur 
also to relentless opposition to the Republican policy of 
profligate expenditure, which, in the short space of two 
years, has squandered an enormous surplus, and emptied an 
overflowing treasury, after piling new burdens of taxation 
upon the already over-taxed labor of the country. 

Sec. 3. VTe denounce the Republican protection as a 
fraud. The labor of the great majority of the American 
people is for the benefit of the few. We declare it to be the 
fundamental principle of the Democratic party that the 
federal government has no constitutional power to impose 
and collect tarifi:' duties except for purposes of revenue 
only. And we demand that the collection of such taxes 
shall be limited to the necessities of the government when 
honestly and economically administered. We denounce 
the McKinley law enacted by the fifty-first congress as the 
cj-ilminating atrocity of class legislation. We indorse the 
efforts made by the Democrats of the present Congress to 
modify its most oppressive features in the direction of free 
raw m'aterial and cheaper manufactured goods that enter 
into general consumption: and we promise its repeal as one 
of the beneficent results that will follow the action of the 
people in intrusting power to the Democratic party. Since 
the McKinley tariff went into operation there have been 



DEMOCRATIC, 1092. C73 

ten reductions of the wages of laboring naen to one of in- 
crease. We deny that there has been any increase of pros- 
perity to the country since the tariff went into operation 
and we point to the dullness and distress, the wage reduc- 
tions and strikes in the iron trade as the best possible evi • 
dence that no such prosperity has resulted from the Mc- 
Kinley act. We call the attention of thoughtful Americans 
to the fact that after thirty years of restrictive taxes 
against the importation of foreign wealth in exchange for 
our agricultural surplus the homes and farms of the coun- 
try have become burdened with a real estate mortgage debt 
of over two billion tilve hundred million dollars, exclusive 
of all other forms of indebtedness: that in one of the chief 
agricultural states of the West there appears a real estate 
mortgage debt averaging one hundred and sixty-five dollars 
per capita of the total population : and that similar condi- 
tions and tendencies are shown to exist in the other agri- 
cultural exporting states. "We denounce a policy which fos- 
ters no industry so much as it does that of the sheriff. 

Sec. 4. Trade ititerchange on the basis of reciprocal ad- 
vaiitages to the countries participating is a time-honored 
doctrine of the Democratic faith, but we denounce the sham 
reciprocity that juggles with the people's desire for en- 
larged foreign markets and freer exchanges by pretending 
to establish closer trade gelations for a country whose arti- 
cles of export are almost exclusively agricultural products 
with other countries that are also agricultural, while erect- 
ing a custom house barrier of prohibitive tariff taxes 
against the richest countries of the world that stand ready 
to take our entire surplus of products and to exchange 
therefor commodities which are necessaries and comforts 
of life among our own people. 

Sec. 5. We recognize in the trusts and combinations 
which are designed to enable capital to secure more than 
its just share of the joint product of capital and labor a 
natural consequence of the prohibitive taxes which prevent 
the free competition, w^hich is the life of honest trade, but we . 
believe their worst evils can be abated by law, and we de- 
mand rigid enforcement of the laws made to prevent and 
control them, together with such further legislation in re- 
straint of their abuses as experience may show- to be neces- 
sary. 

Sec. 6. The Republican party, while professing a policy 
of reserving the public land for small holdings by actual 
settlers, has given away the people's heritage till now a 
few railroads and non-resident aliens, individual and cor- 
porate possess a larger area than that of all our farm lands 



574 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

between the two seas. The last Democratic administration 
reversed the imprudent and unwise policy of the Kepubli- 
can party touching the public domain, and reclaimed from 
corporations and syndicates, alien and domestic, and re- 
stored to the people nearly one hundred million acres of 
valuable land, to be sacredly held as homesteads for our 
citizens, and we pledge ourselves to continue this polioy 
until every acre of land so unlawfully held shall be re- 
claimed and restored to the people. 

Sec. 7. We denounce the Republican legislation known 
as the Sherman act of 1890 as a cow^ardly makeshift fraught 
with possibilities of danger in the future wliich should 
make all of its supporters, as w^ell as its author, anxious for 
its speedy repeal. We hold to the use of both gold and sil- 
ver as the standard money of the country, and to thef coin- 
age of both gold and silver without discriminating against 
either metal or charge for mintage but the dollar unit of 
coinage of both metals must be of equal intrinsic and ex- 
changeable value, or be adjusted through international 
agreement, or by such safeguards of legislation as shall in- 
sure the maintenance of the parity of the two metals, and 
the equal power of every dollar at all times in the markets 
and the payment of debts; and we demand that all paper 
currency shall be kept at par with and redeemable in such 
coin. We insist upon this policy as especially necessary for 
the protection of the farmers and'the laboring classes, the 
first and most defenseless victims of unstable money and a 
fluctuating currency. 

Sec. 8. We recommend that the prohibitory ten per cent 
tax on state bank issues be repealed. 

Sec. 9. Public office is a public trust. We reaffirm the 
declaration of the Democratic national convention of 1876 
for the reform of the civil service, and we call for the hon- 
est enforcement of all laws regulating the same. The 
nomination of a president, as in the recent Republican con- 
vention, by delegations composed largely of business ap- 
pointees, holding office at his pleasure, is a scandalous 
satire upon free, popular institutions, and a startling illus- 
tration of the methods by which a president may gratify 
his ambition. We denounce a policy under wiiich federal 
office holders usurp control of party conventions in the 
states, and we pledge the Democratic party to the reform 
of these and all other abuses which threaten individual 
liberty and local self-government. 

Sec. 10. The Democratic party is the only party that has 
over given the country a foreign policy consistent and 
vigorous, compelling respect abroad and inspiring conii- 



DExMOCRATlC, 1893, 575 

dence at liome. While avoiding entangling alliances, it has 
aimed to cultivate friendly relations with other nations, 
and especially with our neighbors on the American conti- 
nent, whose destiny is closely linked with our own, and we 
view with alarm the tendency to a policy of irritation and 
bluster which is liable at any time to confront us with the 
alternative of humiliation or war. We favor the mainte- 
nance of a navy strong enough for all purposes of national 
defense and to properly maintain the honor and dignity of 
the country abroad. 

Sec. 11. This country has always been the refuge of the 
oppressed from every land — exiles for conscience sake — and 
in the spirit of the founders of our government we con- 
demn the oppression practiced by the Russian government 
upon its Lutheran and Jewish subjects, and we call upon 
our national government in the interest of Justice and hu- 
manity, by all just and proper means, to use its prompt and 
best efforts to bring about a cessation of these cruel perse- 
cutions in the dominions of the czar, and to secure to the 
oppressed equal rights. We tender our profound and ear- 
nest sympathy to those lovers of freedom who are struggling 
for home rule and the great cause of local self-government 
in Ireland. 

Sec. 12. We heartily approve all legitimate efforts to 
prevent the United States from being used as the dumping 
ground for the known criminals and professional paupers 
of Europe, and we demand the rigid enforcement of the 
laws against Chinese immigration, of the importation of 
foreign v/orkmen under contract to degrade American la- 
bor and lessen its wages; but we condemn and denounce 
any and all attempts to restrict the immigration of the in- 
dustrious and worthy of foreign lands. 

Sec. 13. This convention hereby renews the expression 
of appreciation of the patriotism of the soldiers and sailors 
of the union in the war for its preservation, and we favor 
just and liberal pensions for all disabled Union soldiers, 
their widows and dependents, but demand that the work of 
the pension office shall be done industriously, impartially 
and honestly. We denounce the present administration of 
that office as incompetent, corrupt, disgraceful and dis- 
honest. 

Sec, 14. The federal government should care for and im- 
prove the Mississippi river and other great water-ways of 
the republic so as to secure for the interior oiates easy and 
cheap transportation to the tide water. When any water- 
way of the republic is of sufficient importance to de- 
mand the aid of the govern rnont, that such aid shall be 



5/6 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

extended upon a definite plan of continuous wor^ until 
permanent improvement is secured. 

Sec. 15. For purposes of national defense and tne pro- 
motion of commerce by and between the states, we recog- 
nize the early construction of the Xicaragiia canal and its 
protection against foreign control as of great importance to 
the L^nited States. 

Sec. 16. Kecognizing the world's Columbian exposition 
as a national undertaking of vast importance, in which the 
general government has invited the co-operation of all the 
powers of the world, and appreciating the acceptance by 
many such powers of the invitation so extended and the 
broadest liberal efforts being made by them to contribute 
to the grandeur of the undertaking, we are of opinion that 
Congress should make such necessary financial provision as 
shall be requisite to the maintenance of the national honor 
and public faith. 

Sec. 17. Popular education being the only safe basis of 
popular sufl'rage, we recommend to the several states most 
liberal appropriations for the public school. Free common 
schools are the nursery of good government, and they have 
always received the fostering care of the Democratic party, 
which favors every means of increasing intelligence. Free- 
dom of education, being an essential of civil and religious 
liberty, as well as a necessity for the development of intel- 
ligence, must not be interfered with under any pretext 
whatever. We are opposed to state interference with pa- 
rental rights and rights of conscience in the education of 
children as an infringement of the fundamental Democratic 
doctrine that the largest individual liberty consistent with 
the rights of others insures the highest type of American 
citizenship and the best government. 

Sec. is. AVe approve the action of the present bouse of 
representavives in passing bills for the admission into the 
union as states of the territories of Xew Mexico and Arizo- 
na, and we favor the early admission of all the territories 
having necessary population and resources to entitle them 
to statehood, and while they remain territories we hold 
that the ofiicials appointed to administer the government of 
any territory, together with the Districts of Columbia and 
Alaska, should be bona fide residents of the territory or 
district in which their duties are to be performed. The 
Democratic party believes in home rule and the control of 
their own aftairs by the people of the vicinage. 

Sec. 19. We favor legislation by Congress and state 
legislatures to protect the lives and limbs of railway em- 
ployes and those of other hazardous transportation com- 



REPUBLICAN, 1892. 577 

panics, and denounce the inactivity of the Republican 
party, and particularly the Republican senate, for causing 
the defeat of measures beneficial and protective to this class 
©f wage-workers. 

Sec. 20. We are in favor of the enactment by the states 
of laws for abolishing the notorious sweating system, for 
abolishing contract convict labor, and prohibiting the em- 
ployment in factories of children under fifteen years of 

age. 

Sec. 21. We are opposed to all sumptuary laws as an in- 
terference with the individual rights of the citizen. 

Sec. 22. Upon this statement of principles and politics 
the Democratic party asks the intelligent judgment of the 
American people. It asks a change of administration and 
a change of party, in order that there may be a change of 
system and a change of methods, thus assuring the mainte- 
nance unimpaired of institutions under which the republic 
has grown great and powerful. 

Republican Party. 

The representatives of the Republicans of the United 
States, assembled in general convention on the shores of 
the Mississippi river, the everlasting bond of an indestruc- 
tible republic, whose most glorious chapter of history is the 
record of the Republican party, congratulate their coun- 
trymen on the majestic march of the nation under the ban- 
ners inscribed with the principles of our platform of 1888, 
vindicated by victory at the polls and prosperity in our 
fields, workshops and mines, and make the following dec- 
laration of principles: 

We reaffirm the American doctrine of protection. We 
call attention to its growth abroad. We maintain that the 
prosperous condition of our country is largely due to the 
wise revenue legislation of the Republican congress. 

We believe that all articles which cannot be manufac- 
tured in the United States, except <he luxuries, should be 
admitted free of duty, and that on al' imports coming in 
competition with the products of American labor there 
should be levied duties equal to the difference between 
wages abroad and at home. 

We assert that the prices of manufactured articles of gen- 
eral consumption have been reduced under the operations of' 
the tariff act of 1890. 

We denounce the efforts of the Democratic majority of 
the liouee of representatives to destroy our tariff laws b\ 
piecemeal, as is manifested by their attacks upon wool, leaii 



57^ THE imational platforms. 

and lead ores, the chief products of a number of states, an* 
we ask the people for their judgment thereon. 

We point to the success of the Republican policy of reci- 
procity, under which our export trade has vastly increased, 
and new and enlarged markets have been opened for the 
produc s of our farms and workshops. 

We remind the people of the bitter opposition of the 
Democratic party to this practical business measure, and 
claim that, executed by a Republican administration, our 
present laws will eventually give us control of the trade of 
the world. 

The American people from tradition and interest favor 
bi-metalism, and the Republican party demands the use of 
both gold and silver as standard money, with such restric- 
tions and under such provisions to be determined by the 
legislation as will secure the maintenance of the parity of 
values of the two metals, so that the purchasing and debt 
paying power of the dollar, whether of silver, gold or paper, 
shall be at all times equal. The interests of the producers 
of tne country, its farmers and its workingmen, demand 
that every dollar, paper or coin, issued by the government, 
shall be as good as any other. 

We commend the wise and patriotic steps already taken 
by our government to secure an international conference 
to adopt such measures as will insure a parity of value be- 
tween gold and silver for use as money throughout the 
world. 

We demand that every citizen of the United States shall 
be allowed to cast one free and unrestricted ballot in all 
public elections, and That such ballot shall be counted and 
returned as cast; that such laws shall be enacted and en- 
forced as will secure to every citizen, be he rich or poor, 
native or foreign born, white or black, this sovereign right 
guaranteed by the constitution. The free and honest popu- 
lar ballot, the just and equal representation of all the peo- 
ple, as well as their just and equal protection under 
the laws, are the foundation of our republican ijistitutions, 
and the party will never relent its efforts until the integri- 
ty of the ballot and the purity of elections shall be fully 
guaranteed and protected in every state. 

We denounce the continued inhuman outrages perpetrat- 
ed upon American citizens for political reasons in certain 
' Southern states of the union. 

We favor the extension of our foreign commerce, the 
restoration of our mercantile marine by home built ships, 
and the creation of a navy for the protection of our nation- 
al Interests and the honor of our flag; the maintenance of 



REPUBLICAN, 1892. 5*^9 

the most friendly relations with all foreign powers; en- 
tang-ling alliances with none, and protection of the rights 
of our tishermen. 

We reaffirm our approval of the Monroe doctrine, and be- 
lieve in the achievement of the manifest destiny of the re- 
public in its broadest sense. 

We favor the enactment of more stringent laws and re- 
lations for the restriction of criminal, pauper and contract 
immigration. 

We favor efficient legislation by Congress to protect the 
life and limbs of employes of transportation companies en- 
gaged in carrying on inter-state commerce, and recommend 
legislation by the respective states that will protect em- 
ployes engaged in state commerce, in mining and manu- 
facturing. 

The Republican party has always been the champion of 
the oppressed, and recognizes the dignity of manhood, 
irrespective of faith, color or nationality ; it sympathizes 
with the cause of home rule in Ireland, and protests against 
the persecution of the Jews in Russia. 

The ultimate reliance of free popular government is the 
intelligence of the people, and the maintenance of freedom 
among men. We therefore declare anew our devotion t© 
liberty of thought and conscience, of speech and press, and 
approve all agencies and instrumentalities which contribute 
to the education of the children of the land; but while in- 
sisting upon the fullest measures of religious liberty, we 
are opposed to any union of church and state. We reaffirm 
our opposition, declared in the Republican platform of 
1888, to all combinations of capital organized in trusts or 
otherwise to control arbitrarily the condition of trade 
among our citizens. We heartily endorse the action al- 
ready taken upon this subject, and ask for such further 
legislation as may be required to remedy any defects in 
existing laws, and lo render their enforcement more com- 
plete and effective. We approve the j)olicy of extending to 
towns, villages and rural communities the advantages of 
the free delivery service now enjoyed by the larger cities 
of the country, and reaffirm the declaration contained in 
the Republican convention of 1888, pledging the reduction 
of letter postage to one cent at the earliest possible mo- 
ment consistent with the maintenance of the postoffice de- 
partment and the highest class of postal service. 

We commend the spirit and evidence of reform in the 
civil service, and the wise and consistent enforcement bj 
the RepubLcan party of the laws regulating the same 

'Xtie construction of the Nicaragua canal is of the nighest 



580 THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 

importance to the American people but as a measure of na- 
tional defense and to build up and maintain American com- 
merce, and it should be controlled by the United Sta'"es 
government. 

"We favor the admission of the remaining territories at 
the earliest practicable date, having due regard to the in- 
terests of the people of the territories and of the United 
States. All of the federal officers appointed for the terri- 
tories should be selected from bona fide residents thereof, 
and the right of self-government should be accorded as far 
as practicable. 

We favor cession, subject to the homestead lav^^s, of the 
arid public lands to the states and territories in which they 
lie, under such congressional restrictions as to disposition, 
reclamation and occupancy by settlers as will secure the 
maximum benefits to the people. 

The world's Columbian exposition is a great national un- 
dertaking, and Congress should promptly enact such rea- 
sonable legislation in aid thereof as will insure a discharg- 
ing of the expense and obligations incident thereto and the 
attainment of results commensurate with the dignity and 
progress of the nation. 

We sympathize with all wise and legitimate efforts to 
lessen and prevent the evils of intemperance and promote 
morality. 

Ever mindful of the services and sacrifices of the men 
who saved the life of the nation, we pledge anew to the 
veteran soldiers of the republic a watchful care and recog- 
nition of their just claims upon a grateful people. 

We commend the able, patriotic and thoroughly Ameri- 
can administration of President Harrison. Under it the 
country has enjoyed remarkable prosperity, and the digni- 
ty and honor of the nation at home and abroad have been 
faithfully maintained, and we offer the record of pledges 
kept as a guarantee of faithful performances in the future. 

People's Party. 

Assembled upon the one hundred and sixteenth anniver- 
versary of the Declaration of Independence, the People's 
party of America, in their first national convention, invok- 
ing upon their action the blessing of Almighi y God, put 
forth in the name and on behalf of the people of this coun- 
try the following preamble and declaration of principles: 

T) e conditions which surround us best justify our co- 
operation; we meet in the midst of a nation brought to the 
verge of a moral, political and material ruin. Corruption 
dominates the ballot-box, the legislatures, the Congress, and 
touches even the ermine of the bench. The people are de- 



PEOPLES, 1892. 581 

moralized; most of the states have been compelled to isolats 
the voters at the polling places to prevent universal intimi- 
dation or bribery. The newspapers are largely subsidized 
or muzzled; public opinion silenced; business prostrated; 
our homes covered with mortgages; labor impoverished; 
and the land concentrating in the hands of the capitalists. 
The urban workmen are denied the right of organizatiom 
for self-protection; imported pauperized labor beats dow* 
their wages; a hireling standing army, unrecognized by 
our laws, is established to shoot them down, and they are 
rapidly degenerating into European conditions. The fruits 
of the toil of millions are boldly stolen to build up colossal 
fortunes for a few, unprecedented in the history of man- 
kind; and the possessors of these in turn despise the repub- 
lic and endanger liberty. From the same prolific womb of 
governmental injustice we breed the two classes — tramps 
and millionaires. The national power to create money is 
appropriated to enrich bond holders. A vast public debt, 
payable in legal tender currency, has been funded intio 
gold-bearing bonds, thereby adding millions to the bur- 
dens of the people. Silver, which has been accepted as coin 
since the dawn of history, has been demonetized to add to 
the purchasing power of gold by decreasing the value of all 
forms of property as well as human labor, and the supply 
of currency is purposely abridged to fatten usurers, bank- 
rupt enterprise and enslave industry. A vast conspiracy 
against mankind has been organized on two continents, 
and it is rapidly taking possession of the world. If not 
met and overthrown at once it forebodes terrible social con- 
vulsions, the destruction of civilization or the establish- 
ment of an absolute despotism. We have witnessed for 
more than a quarter of a century the struggles of the two 
great political parties for power and plunder, while griev- 
ous wrongs have been inflicted upon the suffering people. 
We charge that the controlling influences dominating both 
these parties have permitted the existing dreadful condi- 
tions to develop without serious effort to prevent or re- 
strain them. !N"either do they now promise us any substan- 
tial reform. They have agreed together to ignore, in the 
coming campaign, every issue but one. They propose to 
drown the outcries of a plundered people with the uproar 
of a sham battle over the tariff, so that capitalists, corpora- 
tions, national banks, rings, trusts, watered stock, the de- 
monetization of silver and the oppressions of the usurer 
may all be lost sight of. They propose to sacrifice our 
homes, lives and children on the altar of Mammon; to de- 
stroy the multitude in order to secure corruption funds 
from all the millionaires. 



58; 



THE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



Assembled on the anniversary of the birthday of the na- 
tion and tilled with the spirit of the grand generation who 
established our independence, we seek to restore the gov- 
ernment of the republic to the hands of " the plain people," 
with which class it originated. We assert our purposes to 
be identical with the purposes of the national constitution, 
to form a most perfect union ; to establish justice, insure 
domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, pro- 
mote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liber- 
ty for our posterity. 

"VVe declare that this republic can only endure as a free 
government which is built upon the love of the whole peo- 
ple for each other and for the nation; that it cannot be 
pinned together by bayonets; that the civil war is over, and 
that every passion and resentment which grew out of it 
must die with it, and that we must be in fact, as we are in 
name, one united brotherhood of free men. Our country 
finds itself confronted by conditions for which there is no 
precedent in the history of the world; our annual agricul- 
tural productions amount to billions of dollars in value, 
which must within a few weeks or months be exchanged for 
billions of dollars of commoditieo consumed in their pro- 
duction; the existing currency supply is wholly inade- 
quate to make this exchange; the results are falling prices, 
the formation of comb.nes and rings, the impoverishment 
of the producing class. We pledge ourselves that if given 
the power we will labor to correct these evils by wise and 
reasonable legislation in accordance with the terms of our 
platform. 

We believe that the powers of government — in other 
words, of the people — should be extended (as in the case of 
the postal service) as rapidly and as far as the good sense 
of an intelligent people and the teachings of experience 
shall justify, to the end that oppression and injustice and 
poverty shall eventually cease in the land. 

While our sympathies as a party of reform are naturally 
upon the side of every proposition which will tend to make 
men intelligent, virtuous and temperate, we nevertheless 
regard these questions — important as they are — as second- 
ary to the great issues now pressing for solution and upon 
which not only our individual prosperity, but the very ex- 
istence of free institutions, depend; and we ask all men to 
first help us to determine whether we are to have a republic 
to administer before we differ as to the conditions upon 
which it is to be administered; believing that the forces of 
reform this day organized will never cease to move for- 
ward until every wrong is remedied, and equal rights and 



equal privileges securely established for all the men and 
women of this country. 

We declare, therefore : 

1. That the union of the labor forces of the United States 
this day consummated siiall be permanent and perpetual ; 
may its spirit enter into all hearts for the salvation of the 
republic and the uplifting of mankind. 

2. Weal'^h belongs to him who creates it, and every dol- 
lar taken from industry without an equivalent is robbery. 
*' If any will not work, neither shall he eat." The interests 
of rural and civic labor are the same, their enemies are 
identical. 

3. We believe that the time has come when the railroad 
corporations will either own the people or the people musr, 
own the railroads, and should the government enter upon 
the working and owning and managing of all railroads we 
should favor an amendment to the constitution by which 
all persons engaged in the government service shall bs* 
placed under a civil service regulation of the most rigid 
character so as to prevent the increase of the power of the 
na'ional administration by the use of such additional gov- 
ernment employes. 

We demand a national currency, safe, sound and flexible, 
issued by the general government only, a full legal tender 
for all debts, public and private, and that without the use of 
banking corporations, a just, equitable and efficient means 
of distribution direct to the people, at a tax not to exceed 
two per cent per annum, to be provi ed as set forth in the 
sub-treasury plan of the Farmer's Alliance or a better sys- 
tem ; also by payments in discharge of its obligations for 
public improvements. 

1. We demand free and unlimited coinage of silver and 
gold at the present legal ratio of 16 to ]. 

2. We demand that the amount of circulating medium 
be speadily increased to not less than $50 per capita. 

3. We demand a graduated income tax. 

4. We believe that the money of the country should be 
kept as much as possible in the hands of the people, and 
hence we demand that all state and national revenues shall 
be limited to the necessary expenses of the government, 
economically and honestly administered. 

5. We demand that postal savings banks be established 
by the government for the safe deposit of the earnings of 
the people and to facilitate exchange. 

Transportation being a means of exchange and a public 
necessity, the government should own and operate the rail- 
roads in the inierest of t lie people. 



584 THE Is'ATlONAL PLATFORMS. 

The telegraph and telephone, like the post-office system, 
being a necessity for the transmission of news, should be 
owned and operated by the government in the interest of 
the people. 

The land, including all the natural resources of wealth, 
is the heritage of the people and should not be monopolized 
for speculative purposes, and alien ownership of land 
should be prohibited. All land now held by railroads and 
other corporations in excess of their actual needs and all 
lands now owned by aliens should be reclaimed by the gov- 
ernment and held for actual settlers only. 

Prohibition Party. 

The Prohibition party, in national convention assembled, 
acknowledging Almighty God as the source of all true gov- 
ernment and his laws as the standard to which human en- 
actments must conform to secure the blessings of peace 
and prosperity, presents the following declaration of prin- 
ciples : 

1. The liquor traffic is a foe to civilization and the arch- 
enemy of the popular government. It is the citadel of the 
forces that corrupt politics, promote poverty and crime, de- 
grade the nation's home life, thwart the will of the people, 
and deliver our nation into the hands of rapacious class 
interests. All revenue laws that, under the guise of regu- 
lation, legalize and protect this traffic, or make the govern- 
ment share in its ill-gotten gains, are^' vicious in principle 
and powerless as a remedy." We declare anew for the en- 
tire suppression of the manufacture, sale, importation, ex- 
portation and transporta ion of alcoholic liquors as a bev- 
erage, by federal and state legislation, and the full powers 
of government should be exerted to secure this result. No 
party that fails to recognize the dominant nature of this 
issue in American politics is deserving the support of the 
people. 

2. No citizen should be denied the right to vote on ac- 
count of sex; and equal labor should receive equal wages 
without regard to sex. 

3. The money of the country should consist of gold, sil- 
ver and paper, to be issued by the general government only, 
and in sufficient quantities to meet the demands of business, 
and give full opportunity for the employment of labor. 
To this end an increase in the volume of money is demand- 
ed. No individual or corporation should be allowed to 
make any profit through its issue. It should be made a 
legal tender for the payment of all debts, public and pri- 
vate. Its volume should be fixed at a definite sum per 



PROHIBITION, 1892. 585 

«apita, and made to increase with our increase in popula- 
tion. 

4. Tariff should be levied only as a defense against for- 
eign governments which levy tariff upon or bar out our 
products from their markets, revenue being incidental. 
The residue of means necessary to an economical adminis- 
tration of the government should be raised by levying the 
burden on what the people possess instead of upon whak 
they consume. 

5. Kailroads, telegraph and other public corporations 
should be controlled by the government in the interest of 
the people, and no higher charges allowed than necessary 
to give fair interest on the capital actually invested. 

6. Foreign immigration has become a burden upon in- 
dustry, one of the factors in depressing wages, and causing 
discontent; therefore our immigration laws should be re- 
vised and strictly enforced. The time of residence for 
naturalization should be extended and no naturalized per- 
son should be allowed to vote until a year after he becomes 
a citizen. 

7. Non-resident aliens should not be allowed to acquire 
land in this country, and we favor the limitation of indi- 
vidual and corporate ownership of land. All unearned 
grants of land to railroad companies or other corporations 
should be reclaimed. 

8. All men should be protected by law in their right to 
one day of rest in seven. 

9. Speculation in margins, the cornering of grain, money 
and products, and the formation of pools, trusts and com- 
binations for the arbitrary advancement of prices should b© 
suppressed. 

10. Years of inaction and treachery of the Republican 
and Democratic parties have resulted in the present reign 
of mob law, and we demand that every citizen be protected 
in the right of trial by a constitutional tribunal. 

11. Arbitration is the wisest and most economical and 
humane method of settling national differences. 

12. We stand unequivocally for the American public 
schools, and are opposed to any appropriation of public 
money for sectarian schools. We declare that only by 
united support of such common schools taught in the Eng- 
lish language can we hope to become and remain one 
homogeneous and harmonious people. 

13. We pledge that the Prohibition party when elected 
to power will ever grant just pensions to disabled veterans 
«f the Union army and navy, their widows and orphans. 

14. We arraign the Republican and Democratic parties 



586 



:'HE NATIONAL PLATFORMS. 



as false to the standards reared by their founders, and 
faithless to the principles of the illustrious leaders of the 
past to whom they do homage with the lips; as recreant to 
the " higher law " which is as inflexible in })olitical alfairs 
as in personal life, and as no longer enibodying the aspira- 
tions of the American people or inviting the confidence of 
enlightened, progressive patriotism. Their protest against 
the admission of "moral issues" into politics is a con- 
fession of their own moral degeneracy. The declaration of 
an eminent authority that municipal misrule is " the one 
conspicuous failure of American politics" follows as a 
natural consequence of such degeneracy, and is true alike 
of cities under Republican and Democratic control. Each 
accuses the other of extravagance in congressional appro- 
priations, and both are alike guilty. Each protests, when 
out of power, against infraction of the civil service law, 
and each when in power violates those laws in letter and 
spirit. Each professes fealty to the interest of the toiling 
masses, but both covertly truckle to the money power in 
their administration of public affairs. Even the tariff issue 
as represented in the Democratic Mills bill and the Repub- 
lican McKJnley bill is no longer treated by them as an issue 
between great and divergent principles of government, but . 
IS a mere catering to the different sectional and class inter- 
ests. The attempt in many states to wrest the Australian 
ballot system from its true purpose, and to so deform it as 
to render it extremely difficult for new parties to exercise 
the rights of suffrage, is an outrage upon popular govern- 
ment. The competition of both these parties for the vote 
of the slums, their assiduous courting of the liquor power 
and their sulDserviency to the money power has resulted in 
placing those powers in the position of practical arbiters of 
the destinies of the nation. We renew our protest against 
these perilous tendencies, and invite all citizens to join us 
in the upbuilding of a party that has shown in five national 
campaigns that it prefers tempor.iry defeat to an abandon- 
ment of the claims of justice, sobriety, personal rights, and 
the protection of American homes. 

*15. Recognizing and declaring that prohibition of the 
liquor traffic has become the dominant issue in national 
politics, we invite to full party fellowship all those who on 
this one dominant issue are wnth us agreed, in the full be- 
lief that this party can and will remove sectional differ- 
ences, promote national unity, and insure the best welfare 
of our entire land. 



*This plank was rejected by an overwhelming majority, but afterwards 
adopted under a special stress. 



The WORLD'S Fair Build'ings. 




'HE Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building is sym- 
metrically proportioned, though mammoth in size. 
It measures 1,688 feet in length by 788 feet in width, 
and covers more than thirty-one acres. It is the largest 
exposition building ever constructed. Within the building 
a gallery fifty feet wide extends around the four sides, add- 
ing more than eight acres to the floor space. Projecting 
from this gallery are eighty-six smaller galleries twelve 
feet wide, from which visitors may view the array of exhib- 
its and the vast moving throng below. Columbia Avenue, 
fifty feet wide, extends through the mammoth building 
longitudinally. The main roof is of glass and iron. 

The Liberal Arts Building is in the Corinthian style of 
architecture, and severely classic. The long array of 
columns and arches which its facades present is relieved 
from monotony by very elaborate ornamentation, Female 
figures, symbolical of the various arts and sciences, make it 
in many respects the most beautiful of the buildings. 

The Government Building covers an area of 350 by 420 
feet. It is constructed of iron, bricks and glass. The cost 
was $400,000. A central octagonal dome one hundred and 
twenty feet in diameter and one hundred and fifty feet in 
height is one of the many attractions of this beautiful 
building. The south hall is devoted to the exhibits of the 
Postoffice, Treasury Department, War Department, Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. The north half is devoted to the ex- 
hibits of the Fisheries Commission, Smithsonian Institute 
and Interior Department. 

The Casino and Pier, with their surroundings, will no 
doubt delight all visitors to the World's Fair. The Pier is 



588 THE world's fair BUILDINGS. 

80 feet wide and extends 1,000 feet out into Lake Michigan 
On this the visitors will promenade out to the Casino. Thd 
Casino embraces nine pavilions, of the Venetian order of 
architecture. It is built on piles and its dimensions ar» 
400 by 180 feet. The central pavilion is 180 feet in height, 
the rest two stories, rising 80 feet from the water. The 
Pier and Casino will constitute a popular Exposition re- 
sort. 

Machinery Hall measures 850 feet by 500 feet and with 
Machinery Annex and Power House cost about $1,000,000. 
It is located at the extreme south end of the park. 

The Electrical Building is 351 by 767 feet. The south 
front is on the great quadrangle, the north front faces the 
lagoon; the east faces the Manufactures Building, the west 
the Mines Building. This building will exhibit everything 
relative to electricity. 

The Fisheries Building is an interesting one. The ex- 
treme length of the building is 1,100 feet and the width 
200. It is built on a banana shaped island and sub- 
divided into three parts to conform to the subdivisions 
The total water capacity of the Aquaria, exclusive of reser- 
voirs, is 140,000 gallons. 

The Horticultural Building is immediately south of the 
entrance to Jackson Park from the midway plaisance, and 
facing east on the lagoon. It is 1,000 feet in length and 
the extreme width is 286 feet. 

The Woman's Building is encompassed by luxuriant beds 
of odorous flowers with a background of stately oaks. It 
is situated in the north-western part of the park and sep- 
arated by a spacious distance from the Horticultural Build- 
ing on the one side and the Illinois State Building on the 
other, and facing the great lagoon with the wooded islands 
in the foreground. The site is unsurpassed for beauty of 
view. 

The Transportation Exhibit Building is situated at the 
southern end of the west flank, and lies between the Horti- 
cultural and the Mines Building. The length of the main 
building measures 960 feet front and 256 feet in depth. 



THE world's fair BUILDINGS. , 589 

From this will extend westward to Stony Island Avenue a 
triangular annex covering about nine acres and consisting 
of one story buildings set side by side. There is a railway 
track every sixteen feet, and all these tracks will run east 
and west. The annex may be used to exhibit a full train, 
either passenger or freight. It is likely that the display of 
locomotives will be stupendous. In all probability there 
will be a hundred locomotives exhibited and placed so as 
to face each other. The exhibits in the building will in- 
clude everything, of whatsoever name or sort, devoted to the 
use of transportation, from a baby carriage to a mogul en- 
gine; from a cash conveyor to a carrier pigeon. To assist 
in placing the exhibits a transfer railway with seventy-five- 
foot tables will run the entire length of the structure 

The Administration Building is the gem of the whole 
Exposition buildings. The gilded dome of this building 
attracts the attention of every one. The cost was $550,000. 
It covers an area 250 feet square and has four pavilions 84 
feet square. The architecture is French renaissance. 

The Art Palace is of the style known as Grecian Ionic, 
the most refined of all classic architecture. It is oblong in 
shape and is 500 by 320 feet, intersected north, east, south 
and west by a great nave and transept, 100 feet wide and 
70 feet high, at the intersection of which is a great dome 
sixty feet in diameter. The building is 125 feet to the top 
of the dome, which is surmounted by a colossal statue of 
the type of Winged Victory. The transept has a clear 
space of sixty feet, being lighted entirely from above. This 
building is located beautifully in the northern portion of 
the park. The immediate neighborhood of the building is 
ornamented with classic statuary in both heroic and life 
size. This building cost between $500,000 and $600,000. 

The Naval Exhibit is the most unique of all the exhibits. 
It is surrounded by water and is in appearance a gigantic 
model of the new coast line battle ships, designed by the 
bureau of construction and repairs of the Navy Depart- 
ment. The cost is about $3,000,000. The dimensions are 
those of the actual battle ship now being built, the length 



1, 



59© F THE WORLD S FAIR BUILDINGS. 

is 348 feet and width amidship 69 feet and 3 inches. 
From the water line to the top of the main deck \% 
is 12 feet. Centrally placed on deck is a superstructure 
8 feet high with a hammock berthing on the same 7 feet 
high,|and above these are the bridge,'chart house and boats. 

The Mines Building, the architecture of which is early 
Italian renaissance, is 700 feet long and 350 feet wide. 
There are four entrances to the building, one on each side. 
There are galleries lighted on the sides by large windows 
and from above by a high clearstory. The exhibits will be 
interesting in the extreme. 

The Agricultural Building, one of the most magnificent 
structures on the Exposition Grounds, is for the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. The style is classic renaissance and 
it is very near the lake shore and almost surrounded by the 
lagoons that lead to the park from the lake. The build- 
ing is 500 by 800 feet and the lagoon stretches the full 
length in the front of the building, which is of one story, 
65 feet above the grade. On either side of the main 
entrance are Corinthian pillars 50 feet high and 5 feet in 
diameter. Pavilions are reared from each corner and from 
the center. The latter is 144 feet square. The corner 
buildings are connected by curtains, forming continuous 
arcades around the top of the building. This structure 
covers more than nine acres, and together with the Dairy 
and Forestry Buildings cost about $1,000,000, 



Candidates, Electoral and Popular Votes. 







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1789. 








1804. 








Geo. Washington 




69 




Thomas Jefferson . . . 


R. 


162 


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. ohn Adams 




34 




C. as. C, "Pinckney 


Fed 


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* ohn Jay 




9 












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6 




1808. 








^ ohn Rutledg-e . 
^ ohn Hancock 




6 














4 




JamesMadison 


R 


122 




George Clinton 




3 




Chas. c Pin' kney, . 


Fed 


47 




Samuel Huntingdon 




2 




George C inton 


R. 







John Milton ...... 




2 












^ ames Armstrong.. 
" Jf-njamin Lincoln. . 




1 




1812. 










1 












Edward Telfair... 




1 




James Madison 


R. 


128 




1792. 








D-Witt Clinton 


Fed 


89 




Geo. Washington.. 


Fed 


132 




1816. 








John Adams 


Fed 


77 












George Cltn»on. .. 


R. 


50 




James Monroe ... 


R 


183 




Thoma.s Jefferson 


R. 


4 




Rufus King 


Fed 


34 








Aaron Burr 


R. 


1 




1820. 








1796. 








James Monroe 


R. 


231 




John Adams 


Fed 


71 




John Q. Adams 


Op. 


1 




Thorn as Jefferson . . 


R. 


68 




■^ 


ST 






Thomas Pinckney. . 


Fed 


59 




1824. 








Aaron Burr 


R. 


30 












Samuel Adams. . . 
Oliver Ellsworth... 
George Clinton 

T 1 T 


R. 

Ird. 
R 


15 

11 

7 




John Q.Adams 

Andrew Jackson. . . 
Henry Clay 


R. 


84 
99 
37 


105,3^ 

155,872 
46,587 


^ ohn Jay . 

James Iredell. 


Fed 
Fed 


5 
3 




Wm. H. Crawford.. 


R. 


41 


41,282 


Geo. Washington.. 


Fed 


2 












John Henry 


Fed 


2 




1828. 








S. Johnson 

Chas. C. Pinckney . . 


Fed 


2 












Fed 


1 




Andrew J-ickson. . . 


D 


178 


647.??51 








John Q. Adams 


NR 


83 


509,097 


1800. 








1832. 








Thomas Jeflerson.. 


R. 


73 












Aaron Burr 


R. 


73 




Andrew Jackson .. 


D. 


219 


687,608 


John Adams 

Cba=, C. Pinckney.. 


Fed 


65 




Henry Clay 


NR 


49 


5304B9 
33,106 


Fed 


64 




f-^hn Floyd 


Ind. 


11 


John Jay 


Fed 


1 




William Wirt 


AN 


7 



592 



CANDIDATES AND VOTES. 





















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W 


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1836. 








1872. 








Mnrtin Van Buren.. 


D. 


170 


761,549 


Ulysses S. Grant. . . 


R 


286 


3,?i97,07» 


Wm. H. Harrison. . . 


w. 


73 




Horace Greeley 


DL 




2,834,079 


lluffh L.White .... 


w. 


26 


1736656 


Charles O'Conor... 


D. 




29.40H 


J>Tniei Webster. 


w. 


14 


James Black 


T. 




5,60* 


Willie P. Mangum . . 


w. 


11 




rhos. A.Hendricks 


D. 


42 












B. Gratz-B'own 


D. 


18 




1840. 








Charles J.Jenkins.. 


D. 


2 




MIfm. H. Harrison . . . 


W. 


234 


1,27.^,017 


David Davis 


Ind 


1 




Martin Van Buren. . 


D, 


60 


1,128,702 










James G. Birney 


Lib 




7,0o9 


1876. 








1844. 
























R. B. Hayes 


R. 


185 


4.034,950 


James K. Polk. 
Henry Clay 


D 


170 


1.337.243 


Samuel J. Tilden . 


D. 


184 


4,284,885 


W. 


105 


1,299,068 


Peter Cooper 


G. 




81,740 


James G. Birney 


Lib 




62,300 


Green C. Smith 

James B. Walker . . . 


Pro 

Am 




9,522 
2,636 


1848 








1880. 








Zachary Taylor 


W. 


163 


1,360.101 










Lewis Cass .... 


D 


127 


l,-20,.'>i4 


Tames A. G'irfield. 
\V. S. Hancock . 


R 


214 


4,449,053 


Martin Van Buren. . 


F S 




291,263 


D. 


155 


4,442,035 










James B. Weaver 


Gr. 




307.306 


1862. 








Neal Dow 

John W.Phelps... . 


Pro 
Am 




10,305 
707 


Franklin Pierce 


D. 


•214 


1,601,474 










Winiield Scott .... 


W 


42 


1,380,578 


1884. 








John P.Hale 


FD 




156,149 


















Grover Cleveland.. 


D. 


219 


4.911,017 


1856. 








James G. Blaine. . . . 
"John P St. John .. 


R. 
Pro 


182 


4,848.335 
151,809 


James Buchanan ,. 


D. 


174 


1,838,169 


Benjamin F. Bntler 


Peo 




133,825 


John C. Fremont 


R. 


114 


l,:-4l,2()4t 


P. D. Wigginton... 


Am 






'Millard Fillmore 


Am 


8 


873,538 


1888. 








1860. 
























Benjamin Harrison. 


R. 


233 


^440,216 


Abraham Lincoln . . . 


R. 


180 


1,866,-352 


Grover Cleveland.. 


D. 


168 


5,538,233 


S. A. Douglas. 


D. 


12 


1,375,157 


Clinton B. Fisk.... 


Pro 




249,907 


J.C. Breckinrige 


D, 


72 


845,763 


Vlson J. Streeter. . . 
R. H. Cowdry 


UL 




148,105 


John Bell 


U'n 


39 


589,581 


UL 




2,80S 










James L. Curtis . . 


Am 




1.591 


1864. 








Mrs. B. Lockwood. 
A. E.Redstone 


ER 


^^ 




Abraham Lincoln . . . 


R. 


212 


2,216.067 




1 


f < 


>7 


Geo. B. McClellan. 


D. 


21 


1,808,725 


1892. 


• ■ 


J A 


1868. 








Grover Cleveland.. 
Benjamin Harrison 


D. 
R. 






Ulysses S. Grant . . 


R. 


214 8.015,0711 


John F.Bidwell 


Pro 






Horatio Seymour.. 


D. 


80 


2,709,615 


James B. Weaver . 


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